EFFECT OF PARENTS SUPPORT IN THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT IN GODE TOWN, SOMALI REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to explore the effect of parents support their children with visual impairment. The research design employed was descriptive case study with qualitative research approach. The data was mainly collected using an in depth interview. Six parents were the main informants of the study selected purposively. The results of the study indicated that parents expressed different reactions as a result of having child with visual impairment. These were shock, denial, anger and sadness. The stigma held by the society about the causes of visual impairment influenced parents to feel guilty and disgraced. This may be one of the causes for parents to develop negative effect support their children with visual impairment. The beliefs held by parents about the causes of visual impairment varies from real cause to sin, evil eye, curse, misdeed in previous life by parents and misfortune. The types of treatment sought by parents to get cure for their children vary from modern medical center to traditional healer. Some parents believed that their children with visual impairment have less learning potential, unable to accomplish household chores, and unable to play like sighted. children Those parents who are in better educational level have positive perception about their children with visual impairment and play positive role in the overall personality development of their children.