The Indonesian Inclusive Schools: Unravelling Parents' Hopes and Concerns for The Future of Children with Disabilities Exploring Parental Expectations and Anxieties in the Educational Journey of Children with Special Needs
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Keywords: inclusive education; parents’ hopes and concerns; parents of children with disabilities; parents’ strategies
Abstract
Objective: Inclusive education is a miniature society that prepares children with disabilities to live in society after their education. This study aimed to explore parents' experiences of hope and concern for the future of children with disabilities attending inclusive or mainstream schools.
Methods: In-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide were conducted face-to-face. The participants were 7 parents representing primary school, middle school, and secondary school education levels with varying disabilities.
Results: Three primary themes were examined: parents' strategies for addressing their concerns and expectations regarding education, and their hopes and concerns regarding the future. Sub-themes presented some parents' perspectives on children's development, third-party support, and parents' resilience efforts to overcome worries and concerns, subsequently building hope.
Conclusion: Inclusive education can demonstrate positive relationships between children, parents, teachers, school authorities, and policymakers. Long-term support gives parents optimism and the ability to seek other resources for their child's future. Meanwhile, low support and severe levels of disability create more anxiety and frustration for parents about their child's development and future.
Keywords: inclusive education; parents’ hopes and concerns; parents of children with disabilities; parents’ strategies
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