Special Needs Education

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Browsing Special Needs Education by Subject "Addis Ababaa Case of Five Families"

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    Deafness and parenthood: a Case of Five Families in Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2003-06) Tsega, Sewalem; Zewdie, Teka (PhD)
    The deaf are commonly labeled with disparaging and superstitious qualities that push them outside human communication and social life, and deny them access to education, work and other equal opportunities that would make them self supportive and full members of their respective environment. The environment includes significant others in the deaf child's world, beginning with his/her immediate family, extending to peers, teachers and members of the various communities that impinge on his/her life. However, the focus of this study is the home environment, where the foundation for the deaf child's social, educational, etc development lies. To study life in a family of deaf child is the main aim of this research. Based on the information obtained from five deaf children and their parents selected purposefully (the parents being the main informants), this study on deafness and parent hood of a deaf child was conducted. For exploring the life of deaf children and their parents in a natural context (the home), a case study qualitative design was used. The main methods for data gathering were observation and interview supplemented by , focus-group-discussion and informal talks. The finding of the study showed that parents have misconceptions and wrong beliefs about the nature and causes of deafness as well as the potentialities of their deaf child. They also had communication problems as a result limited interaction with their deaf child. All of them were not able to make arrangements for their deaf child's social and educational development except providing them with pens and exercise books. Their lack of early intervention services like training in SL, counseling and teaching their deaf child, etc had challenged them to have a good life in t he home environment. As a result of wrong beliefs and misconceptions about the nature and causes of deafness parents felt various feelings which, in turn brought about reciprocal feelings on the deaf child. The above findings are discussed and recommendations were made to promote holistic development of the deaf child through provision of early intervention to the family with a deaf child