Lawson, John (2000) Why parents of disabled children choose special education : a study of the experiences of parents caring for a disabled child at home, who have chosen a special school. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

Preview

PDF WRAP_THESIS_Lawson_2000.pdf - Submitted Version - Requires a PDF viewer. Download (15Mb)

Request Changes to record.

Abstract

This study was concerned with establishing why parents caring
for a disabled child at home chose special schools. The method
used was to survey parents of disabled children attending one
of the three special schools run by the Acorn Society. The
survey identified two themes. These being, that there was a
gender differential suggesting that mothers were most closely
involved with the care of disabled children and, that the decision
to send a disabled child to a special school was measured and
balanced. This was contrary to the pre-dominant view put
forward in relevant literature, so, the research set out to identify
the reality behind the choice of a special school.
A qualitative approach was adopted using semi-structured
interviews, focusing on the issues arising from the initial survey.
The interview data demonstrated that mothers were the primary
providers of care, support, and assistance, for disabled children
living at home. Special schools, it was concluded, provided a
level of emotional support and practical assistance, which went
some way towards substituting for the absence of support from
other sources. However, the situation has to be considered
within the context of the twin movements of inclusive education
and disability rights. The conclusion was made that there was
little evidence to suggest that parents' needs would be met by
their disabled child being included in mainstream education.
However, it was also concluded that the present system of
special education failed to meet the developmental needs of
disabled children and young people. The two positions were
seen as being diametrically opposed. A way forward was
suggested which would, (a) offer the opportunity for disabled
children and young people to acquire a positive identity,
premised on the concept of disability as a unique culture, and
would, (b) offer parents an appropriate level of support.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman L Education > LC Special aspects of education
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Special education schools, Parents of children with disabilities -- Decision making, Children with disabilities -- Education
Official Date:	July 2000
Dates:	Date Event July 2000 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Social Policy and Social Work
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Read, Janet, 1947-
Sponsors:	University of Salford
Extent:	iv, 334, [24] leaves
Language:	eng

Request changes or add full text files to a record

Repository staff actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads