Social and Economic Challenges of Service Providers to Children with Intellectual Disabilities: the Case of Mekane-Eyesus Center for Mentally Challenged Children
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Date
2015-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Ethiopia is one of the countries in which a number of service providers as well as children
with intellectual disabilities exist. However, the issue of social and economic challenges of service
providers to children with intellectual disabilities remains less researched. Therefore, the present
study has examined how the service providers to children with intellectual disabilities were
influenced economically and socially while giving and receiving special needs services. Qualitative
research method was used along with tools, such as interview, FGD, observation and document
review to collect the relevant information. Thematic framework was used to analyze the study. It
was conducted in Mekane Eyesus Center for Mentally Challenged Children, in the region of Addis
Ababa, in the sub-city of Nifas Silk Lafto, wereda2, with a total of nineteen research participants;
and purposive sampling technique was used. The research participants were composed of service
providers (social workers, teachers, physiotherapists, and who were working in the Center), and
key informants who had a direct experience about the center service providers to children with
intellectual disabilities. In this study, the Key informant was the center executive director. Finally,
the study recommended the need for salary increment, respecting and supporting the work on
children with intellectual disability, strengthening social interaction, and coping strategies , should
also be enhanced
Key words: children with intellectual disabilities, service providers, social and economic
challenges.
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Keywords
children with intellectual disabilities, Service providers, Social and Eeconomic Challenges