The Experience of Blind Mothers in Raising their Children: The Case of five Blind Mothers in Addis Ababa
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2017-01
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to assess the experiences of blind mothers in raising their
children. For exploring the experience of blind mothers raising their children, a case study
qualitative design was used. The main method for data gathering was interview supplemented
by focus-group discussion with purposefully selected mothers. The findings of the study
showed, blind mothers has limited communication process in accurately observing and
interpreting behavior of children and sensitively responding to their needs. Thus continuous
discussions of blind mothers with their children, using the help of their elder children, father,
and grandparents were the way they use to interact with their children. Additionally,
advising, encouraging and provide their children with spiritual and moral lessons to build
their children self-esteem were found to be more commonly utilized coping mechanisms of
parenting way of interaction. Their lack of early intervention like trainings for blind mothers
on how to raise their children successfully, daycare for their children and economic
empowerment of blind mothers to improve their life situation had challenged them to have
good condition in raising their children. The mentioned findings were discussed and
recommendations were made to improve the interaction and communication of blind mothers
and their children through provision of early intervention.
Description
Keywords
Experience of Blind Mothers in Raising their Children