Marginalisation of the Marginalised: Plight of Children with Disabilities.

Abstract

This study sought to find out the different types of care given to children with disabilities (CwDs), 3-5 years and the capacity of parents in providing for their needs. Attitudes and perceptions of parents towards CwDs were also explored in the study. The study was conducted in the context of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) (1989) and the first Education for All (EFA) goal (UNESCO, 2007). Parents, teachers and district level administrators participated in the study. Five rural districts were selected. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Findings revealed that parents face challenges in providingfor CwDs under their care. Challenges included stigma, myths attached to disability, coming to terms with having a child with a disability, and lack of resources. It was also noted that there were some appropriate care practices which parents were employing despite the limitingfactors in the communities they existed. The conclusion of the study was that although parents strive to provide good care for their CwDs, they have limited capacity in terms of knowledge and resources. Consequently, they require professional assistance to enhance their knowledge and skills on basic care of such children, as well as environmental resources and referral services. It was also observed that there was need for financial and material support to enable parents to access both education and health services for their CwDs. .