Role of Caregivers of Children with Intellectual Disabilities and Support Systems Available to them in Ghana

Authors

  • Acheampong Enoch Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Department of Community Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi
  • Wisdom Kwadwo Mprah Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Department of Community Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi
  • Isaac Owusu Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Department of Community Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi
  • Joseph Bediako Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Department of Community Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5463/dcid.v28i4.645

Keywords:

House mothers, parents, teachers, intellectual disability, caregivers, support systems, Kumasi Metropolitan Area

Abstract

Purpose: This paper explores the role of parents, teachers and house mothers, and the support services available in promoting effective education for children with intellectual disabilities in Ghana.

Methods: Qualitative research approach and exploratory design were adopted. Simple random sampling technique was used to select parents, while purposive sampling technique was used to select the teachers and house mothers. Data was collected at interviews, using an interview guide and making audio recordings and notes. Data transcription from the notes was compared with the audio recordings to ensure consistency. The main themes that were developed and coded using data-led approach have been presented as the major findings.

Results: The study revealed that most parents refuse to visit their children with intellectual disability in school. They also shirk their responsibility in providing training materials. It was found that training programmes are not organised for house mothers, teachers and parents of pupils with intellectual disability. Also, no incentives are given to teachers and house mothers of these pupils.

Conclusion: The study provides insight into the specific roles of parents, teachers and house mothers, and the appropriate support services available for these caregivers. There is a need to highlight these issues for policy making.

Author Biographies

Acheampong Enoch, Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Department of Community Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi

Acheampong Enoch is currently a lecturer at the Centre For Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Department of Community Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He holds a MSc degree in Disability and Rehabilitation Studies.

Wisdom Kwadwo Mprah, Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Department of Community Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi

Dr. Wisdom Kwadwo Mprah is a lecturer at the Department of Community Health and holds PhD in Disability Studies. He has interest in disability research and advocacy.

Isaac Owusu, Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Department of Community Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi

Mr. Isaac Owusu is a lecturer at the Department of Community Health and holds MA in Disability Studies.

Joseph Bediako, Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Department of Community Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi

Joseph Bediako is a Teaching and Research Assistant at the Department of Community Health and holds BSc. in Disability and Rehabilitation Studies.

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Published

2018-03-16

How to Cite

1.
Enoch A, Mprah WK, Owusu I, Bediako J. Role of Caregivers of Children with Intellectual Disabilities and Support Systems Available to them in Ghana. DCIDJ [Internet]. 2018 Mar. 16 [cited 2024 Nov. 7];28(4):80-95. Available from: https://dcidj.uog.edu.et/index.php/up-j-dcbrid/article/view/279

Issue

Section

Brief reports