Parental Role in the Learning Process of Children with Hearing Impairment

Abstract

This paper examines ways of advancing Special Needs Education in Kenya to equate the world‟s educational standards. Specifically, the paper focuses on the role of parents in the learning process of children with hearing impairment. The future of every nation lies in today‟s child. Specialists emphasize that children with hearing impairment, just like their hearing counterparts, if well supported early in life, can perform in all aspects of life including academic, social, political and economic spheres. They too can become self-independent. Most parents have neglected their children up bringing roles leaving it all to house maids and teachers. The role that parents play in the education of their children has potential to strengthen the support provided by school and improves the education outcomes of a child with learning needs. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected through closedended questionnaires and interview guides respectively. The findings indicated that only 29% of the children had a one to one interaction with their parents in a period of three months. Majority of parents expressed communication as the main problem due to language barrier. This paper recommends that parents of children with hearing impairment be trained in Kenya Sign Language, awareness of special education needs and assessments, for early identification and placement of such children.

 

Keywords: Assessment, Disabilities, Hearing Impairment (H.I), Identification, Intervention, Placement.