Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Children with mental disabilities Victoria Attitudes'

The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge level and degree of satisfaction of parents whose mentally handicapped child was receiving special education and/or related services provided by public school systems.One-hundred and thirty parents responded to three instruments constructed for this study.Findings MANOVA results revealed significant differences among the three parental groups (parents of mild, moderate, and severe/profound children) on the attitude measure toward the special education placement of their children. Post hoc tests and mean comparison data indicated that parents of mildly mentally handicapped children were more satisfied with the special education services than were the two other comparison groups.Data analysis using ANOVA indicated that sex of parents and level of retardation of the child had no significant main effect on the knowledge level of services mandated by Public Law 94-142.Pearson correlation coefficient results suggested that the special education program variables indicated higher positive linear correlation with the degree of parental satisfaction with the special education placement of their mentally handicapped children, than did the demographic variables.Conclusions and Recommendations Parents in this study lacked knowledge of their legal rights pertaining to special education programming and related services. Future research should be directed to understand the interactions among factors that might affect parents' knowledge of PL 94-142.Workshops and inservice programs should be organized and on-going to inform parents of their rights and responsibilities under state and federal special education laws, as well as implementing ways for increasing their involvement in supporting their child's education in the least restrictive educational setting.Inservice workshops should be carried out for regular teachers to ensure that those involved with the education of exceptional children possess competencies necessary to perform their jobs adequately. An array of service alternatives and placement options is necessary to meet the varied needs of all young mentally handicapped children.Future research on parental attitudes toward the special education placement of their mentally handicapped children should take into consideration cause-effect relationships, as well as the interrelatedness of child, parent, and program variables.
Department of Special Education

The purpose of this study was to examine regular classroom teachers' attitudes to additional classroom support, both physical and personnel, for students with mild and severe intellectual disabilities who may be integrated into regular classrooms. The concerns of the regular classroom teachers with regard to the successful inclusion of students with intellectual disabilities are certainly merit addressing. As the regular classroom teachers are largely responsible for the education of these integrated students, it is worthwhile to examine their perceived support levels in relation to integrated students with intellectual disabilities. It is anticipated that the results of this study will prove useful when decisions are being made by educational administrators about the level and type of support needed for integrated students with intellectual disabilities. The results should be beneficial as a guideline for those concerned with the appropriate allocation of funding for students with intellectual disabilities who are educated in regular classrooms. As the subjects of this study were Catholic teachers employed in Catholic primary schools in Perth, Western Australia, it is anticipated that the results of this study will prove useful to the administrators in the Catholic Education Office of Western Australia. The dependent variables were physical and personnel support. The independent variables were ability, effort and school. Seventy-two classroom teachers from six East-Metropolitan Catholic Primary Schools in Perth, Western Australia, were used as participants. These teachers were presented with a vignette describing a hypothetical male student. Ability (average, mild, severe) and effort (low, moderate, high) were systematically varied to create a nine-cell design. Vignettes were randomly assigned to the 72 teachers. The teachers were asked to respond to two measurements for the dependent variables. The first comprised a seven-point Likert scale measuring their perceived need for additional physical support and additional personnel support in the regular classroom. The second was a magnitude-scaling instrument, which also required responses on additional physical and personnel support. A multivariate analysis was completed for the seven-point scale and magnitude scaling of the dependent variables. Wilk's criterion indicated no significant multivariate interaction between the factors of ability and effort. The multivariate analysis yielded a main effect for ability for both dependent variables. Univariate analyses showed that teachers perceived a significant difference between students with and without intellectual disabilities in the levels of additional personnel support needed but no significant difference between students with mild and severe intellectual disabilities in the levels of additional physical support. The ability level of the students was the critical variable that determined the levels of additional support, as perceived necessary by the regular classroom teacher. Regular classroom teachers did not perceive the factor, effort, as being significant. Consistent with attributional research findings, they did not perceive student effort as needing additional classroom support. Teachers perceive a strong need for personnel classroom support being necessary for students with mild and severe intellectual disabilities. There is a paucity of global research specific to the expected levels of additional physical and personnel classroom support needed for students with intellectual disabilities and none in Australia. This study has implications for the allocation of resources within schools in that it may offer guidelines for determining the levels and type of support given to regular classroom teachers so that integrated students with intellectual disabilities may succeed in the regular class.

Thesis (Ed. D.)--Illinois State University, 2004.
Title from title page screen, viewed May 23, 2006. Dissertation Committee: Maureen E. Angell (chair), Jeffrey P. Bakken, Howard P. Parette, Jr., George Peterson-Karlan. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 132-149) and abstract. Also available in print.

The purposes of this study were to determine if the following factors pertaining to elementary school principals; amount of undergraduate/graduate training in special education, previous experience with disabled students, and professional development training, had a relationship to their attitudes regarding the education of students with disabilities in the regular classroom. The study also sought to determine if differences existed between principals' attitudes toward the inclusion of different categories of disabled students into the regular classroom.The population of the study consisted of 230 randomly selected elementary school principals. Principals selected for the study were sent the data-collection instrument, The Building Administrator Survey, which was developed by the researcher. The survey instrument consisted of demographic questions which addressed the study's independent variables and 12 statements which were designed to ascertain the study's dependent variable, attitude toward the education disabled students in the regular classroom. Respondents were asked to rate each statement on a five-point Likerttype scale reflecting perceived attitudes toward each of five different categories of disability: emotional handicap, learning disability, mild mental handicap, moderate mental handicap, and severe mental handicap. A multivariate analysis of variance procedure was used to determine the of significance of relationships between the study's independent variables and principals' attitudes toward inclusion. A post hoc procedure was used to identify significant differences in principals' attitudes toward inclusionary practices relative to the study's five categories of disabled students.The following conclusions were drawn from the findings of the study:1. There is a statistically significant relationship between attitudes toward the inclusion of different categories of disabled students. Attitudes toward inclusion become less positive as the level of student disability increases.2. Principals receiving minimal amounts of professional development training tend to have more negative attitudes toward inclusion than principals receiving more extensive training.3. There is not a statistically significant relationship between principals' attitudes toward inclusion and the type of professional development training they have received, the amount of professional training in special education they have received, or their previous experience with students with disabilities in teaching and administrative settings.
Department of Educational Leadership

A mere glance at a family photograph of the Victorian era leaves little doubt of the position of the figure exuding impervious, authoritarian detachment. Austere, rigid and solemn, it is not hard to guess who cast the shadow over the picture. Arrestingly imposing in his role as backbone of the family, this is the nineteenth century legacy image of the father. However, the last century has seen fatherhood redefine itself and the more liberal, lenient and openly loving figure replaced the strict patriarchal model. In contemporary times, fathers are regularly seen comfortably behind a stroller, outdoors with children on their shoulders, at home tousling with their children, and considerably more involved in school and social events. Unashamedly, fathers have moved toward both acknowledging and displaying a softer paternal image. By definition fatherhood is a decidedly individual concept and a unique experience, involving much more than being the male parent in a family, the family protector, or the provider of paycheques. Although the past decade has seen a surge of research and interest in fatherhood with an increased recognition that the involvement of fathers contribute to the well-being, cognitive growth and social competence of their children, there remains a deficit in research on the experiences, perceptions and involvement of fathers of children diagnosed with Down syndrome. And whilst most of this knowledge base is extrapolated from studies about the mother’s experience, true understanding requires that fathers are studied directly. Mothers and fathers respond differently to the pressure associated with raising a child with Down syndrome and literature supports the common view that men are less likely and easy to engage in therapy than women, are less likely to attend therapy, or seek help for physical or psychological problems. For fathers of any differently abled child, the distance between the idealized fathering experience and the actual one may be enormous. Based upon the patriarchy model of the family, in many conventional homes, the wife and mother is like a thermometer, sensing and reflecting the home’s temperature, whilst the father and husband is like the home’s thermostat, which determines and regulates the temperature. The equilibrium of the father plays an important role in his ‘thermostat settings’ to set the right temperature in the marriage and his family. Having a differently abled child is almost never expected and often necessitates a change in plans as the family members adjust their views of their own future, their future with their child, as well as how they will henceforth operate as a family.Some fathers may experience uncertainty about their parenting role of a child diagnosed with Down syndrome, often resulting in peculiar behaviours of the father. This may include engrossing themselves into their work, hobbies, sport, and so forth, almost abdicating their duty as father; believing that the mother knows best (sometimes using their own lack of knowledge as a cop-out); or, they simply withdraw because the mother takes such complete control of every aspect of the child that the father feels inadequate, superfluous, and peripheral as parent. Each parent grieves the ‘loss’ of the child they expected in their own individual way. However, such a highly emotive situation may be compounded by the following aspects: the undeniable pressure of caring for the differently abled child; the additional financial burden; a waning social life; and, the incapacity to cope emotionally whilst invariably displaying the contrary purely to create the illusion that they are indeed coping. Fathers need to develop strategies and skills to cope with the very real and practical needs of parenting their child with Down syndrome, to furthermore minimize relationship conflict and misunderstanding, and to support their child’s optimal development. How these specific issues are embraced and managed may dramatically influence the peace and harmony of family life as well as the marital relationship. This study explores the perspectives of fathers of a child with Down syndrome to ultimately support this unique journey as they navigate their way through “Down”town Holland, as illustrated in the analogy to follow.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment or partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education in the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education at University of Zululand, South Africa, 2004.
The present investigation had two objectives. The first aim was to examine educators' attitudes towards the inclusion of mildly mentally retarded learners into mainstream education. The second aim was to determine the extent to which educators were influenced by factors such as gender, age, teaching experience, special education qualification and teaching phase qualification. A questionnaire was administrated to all race groups of educators teaching in mainstream primary schools, located in the Umlazi District. Fifty two and a half percent (52,5%) of the educators were found to have a positive attitude towards the inclusion of mildly mentally retarded learners in mainstream classes. Forty seven and a half percent (47.5%) displayed a negative attitude towards the inclusion of mildly mentally retarded learners in mainstream classes. Results also illustrated that the variables of gender, age and years of teaching experience have no influence on educators' attitude towards the inclusion of mildly mentally retarded learners in mainstream education. However, the results did indicate that there is a relationship between educators' qualification in special education and their attitude towards the inclusion of mildly mentally retarded learners in mainstream education. Fourteen percent (14%) had special education qualification and the majority of this group had positive attitudes towards the inclusion of mildly mentally retarded learners in mainstream education. Finally with regard to the variable of teaching phase qualification, there appeared to be insufficient evidence to make a decision as to the relationship between teaching phase qualification and educators' attitude towards the inclusion of mildly mentally retarded learners in mainstream education.

Thesis (MEdPsych)--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study is aimed at gaining insight into the experiences of siblings of an individual with an intellectual and physical disability. Attaining greater insight into their lived reality, their feelings and concerns could make it possible to provide appropriate support. The review of selected literature provides information on many aspects of the these siblings' experience. Although many studies are quantitative in their approach, the literature review provides relevant and useful findings and inferences which were used to support and substantiate findings. During this qualitative study, which is situated within an interpretive phenomenological paradigm, four participants between the ages of eight and sixteen years were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. This format of interview allowed participants to use their own words to express their personal experiences. The results showed that siblings have both positive and negative experiences when another sibling has an intellectual disability. Other common difficulties include embarrassment, guilt, and the experience of differential treatment. Positive experiences and competencies include love and acceptance, personal growth, maturity, pride in siblings accomplishments, and appreciation for one's sibling. Several experiences were congruent with those mentioned in the literature. The insights into the experiences this study provides has implications for the development and provision of sibling support programmes and interventions. At present, state group support programmes for siblings are not provided within the Western Cape area. The interventions and assistance that do exist seem to be provided by the private sector only. Support can prove very costly, which means that it is not accessible to many who require it. Sibling workshop groups could provide a valuable support alternative to a currently "unsupported" group, the siblings.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie poog om insig te verkry in die ondervindings van die broers en susters van 'n kind met intellektuele en fisiese gestremdhede. Beter insig in die realiteit van hul leefwyse, hulle gevoelens en bekommernisse kan beter ondersteuning aan hulle moontlik te maak. Die ondersoek van geselekteerde literatuur voorsien inligting rakende vele aspekte van die ondervindings van hierdie kinders. Alhoewel baie van die studies kwantitatief in hul benadering is, het die bestaande literatuur tog relevante en bruikbare bydraes en gevolgtrekkings verskaf wat gebruik kon word om bevindings te bevestig en te staaf. Hierdie kwantitatiewe studie het plaasgevind in 'n verklarende fenomenologiese paradigma en vier semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude is gevoer met deelnemers tussen die ouderomme van 8 jaar en 16 jaar. Hierdie formaat van onderhoudvoering dra by dat deelnemers hulle gevoelens in hul eie woorde uitdruk. Die bevindings het gewys dat broers/susters beide positiewe en negatiewe ondervindings van kinders met 'n intellektuele gestremdheid het. Ander algemene probleme sluit in skaamte, skuldgevoelens en die gevoel van gedifferensieerde behandeling. Positiewe ondervindings en vaardighede van broers en susters sluit liefde en aanvaarding, persoonlike groei, volwassenheid, trots op die broers/suster se bekwaamheid en die waardering van so 'n broer/suster in. Verskeie van die ondervindings het ooreengestem met bevindings wat in die literatuur gevind is. Die insigte in hierdie ondervindings wat deur hierdie studie voorsien word het implikasies vir programme en intervensies wat ondersteuning aan hierdie kinders bied. Tans is daar nie sodanige staatsgefinansierde ondersteuningsprogramme in die Wes-Kaap area nie. Die intervensies en ondersteuning wat wel beskikbaar is word slegs in die privaatsektor aangebied. Ondersteuning kan baie duur wees, wat beteken dat dit vir baie kinders wat dit nodig het, ontoeganklik is. Ondersteuningsgroepwerkswinkels kan 'n waardevolle alternatief bied vir die "nieondersteunde" groep, die kinders.

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (Clinical Psychology) in the Department of Psychology University of Zululand, 2002.
This study examined attitudes of parents towards their mentally retarded children in rural areas of Zululand. The study sample was obtained from a local hospital, a clinic and a special school for the mentally retarded in the Zululand area. The findings of this study revealed that parents in rural areas of Zululand have positive attitudes towards their mentally retarded children. There were no differences between the attitudes of mothers and fathers with both parents having more positive attitudes. This study further revealed that parents in rural areas of Zululand loved and accepted their mentally retarded children. However, the majority of parents were found to be disappointed by having a mentally retarded child and expressed feelings of embarrassment. In the light of these findings further research areas is recommended with the aim of using such information to build appropriate and successful rehabilitation and intervention programs for mentally retarded children and their parents.
National Research Foundation (NRF).

Text in English
It is common knowledge that the social work profession in Africa, including its theories, methods, and models, has been implanted from the global North (Europe) and North America. Scholarship within social work has confirmed that there are challenges of relevance and appropriateness of Westernised social work interventions, and consequently, their effectiveness in a context outside the Euro-North American axis. It is against this backdrop that the researcher explored the African family, its experiences, and its coping strategies when raising a child with Down syndrome as well as the nature of social work services they received and whether such services were congruent with the family’s existential condition and subjectivities. A retrospective qualitative study following a phenomenological design was conducted. Research data were collected from a sample drawn using purposive and snowball techniques, through the use of semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data analysis process adapted from Terre Blanche, Durrheim and Painter (2006:33) was used. The findings revealed the existence of a paradoxical relationship between Eurocentrism underlying social work practice and the Afrocentric worldview. The typical African family raising a child with DS was found to be characterised by a unique form and structure consistent with a clan system different from the conventional Eurocentric concept of family. It was also found that despite the pressure and assault exerted by modernity, colonization and apartheid on the traditional African clan system, it remained resilient and retained its unique character distinct from the western nuclear family system. In relation to dealing with challenges associated with raising a child with DS, the African clan’s concerns were found to transcend pre-occupation with the etiology and treatment of the condition as emphasized in the western paradigm. Without discounting the significance of the etiology and treatment of the condition, the African clan draws on its spirituality and affection to consider the purpose and function of the condition in the bigger scheme of things. Social work as a helping profession seemed to be unpopular amongst African clans raising children with DS. The findings were used to develop indigenised social work practice guidelines for social workers assisting African families raising children with DS.
Social Work
Ph. D. (Social Work)