Guidelines for guidance programmes for Xhosa parents with children with cerebral palsy : and orthopedagogical perspective

Abstract

This research investigated the need of Xhosa parents with children with cerebral palsy in the Eastern Cape for support through specially designed parent guidance programmes. The research problem that was investigated was: Do Xhosa parents with children with cerebral palsy need guidance programmes, and what guidelines can be given pertaining to such programmes? The aim was to determine whether Xhosa parents needed guidance programmes and if so, to provide guidelines that addressed this need. A literature study was done and thereafter a survey was conducted using a questionnaire with closed items to collect data from 180 Xhosa parents with children with cerebral palsy living in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape's former Transkei. They were sampled by using a non-random (purposive) sampling method. One hundred and two (102) parents (out of the total of 180) answered the questions in the questionnaires and returned them by mail. The same types of questions were used to interview 54 parents. The data was analyzed by a statistical analyst by Microsoft Excel spread sheets. Data was presented in the form of tables and pie charts and the researcher interpreted the outcomes in the light of the literature and her own indigenous knowledge of the Xhosa community. The implications of findings for all Xhosa parents with children with cerebral palsy are that they lack knowledge of issues such as cerebral palsy, inclusive education and how to deal with their children with cerebral palsy. Relationships within the family and the community are affected because of the children's cerebral palsy. Moreover, Xhosa parent guidance programmes are not available in the Eastern Cape or in other provinces in South Africa. As a result, guidelines are provided which may be used for constructing Xhosa parent guidance programmes.