TITLE:
Integration of Parents’ Narratives in Creating a Culture that Is Holistic and Supportive towards Cognitive Learning Disability
AUTHORS:
Lungile Prudence Zondi, Mxolisi Gwala
KEYWORDS:
Parent Narratives, Inclusive Support, Cognitive Disability, Learning Disa-bility, Experiences
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Anthropology,
Vol.13 No.1,
January
18,
2023
ABSTRACT: The rationale for this anthropological paper is to
present educational challenges faced by parents who are parenting children with
a cognitive learning disability in rural schools of uMkhambathini. Through the
qualitative research design, emic experiences were anthropologically recorded.
The data collection was completed through life history and focus group
interviews. Fifteen parents were purposively recruited from the community who
had children with cognitive learning barriers and who attended mainstream schools. Research findings revealed that although some parents
would eventually come to accept the natural being of their children, the
socio-cultural and the South African education system in rural areas still need
be prepared to accommodate these children. This paper has
contributed a three-tier encompassing model as a solution that befits the
lifespan of affected children with a cognitive learning disability and is also
supportive of teachers thus caring for and supporting the educational needs of a child with a cognitive disability. This journey is
filled with obstacles and a combination of emotions. Data analysis also
revealed that this human rights issue excludes children from rural areas, which
needsto be addressed. The theorized three-tier is
contributed as a holistic consideration of learning disability culture. The solution model is also contributed as a
monitoring tool which will monitor (i) the South African inclusive policy
on education, (ii) the integration of parents to shape the future of their children
with a cognitive learning disability; (iii) to ensure that children with a
cognitive learning disability are treated and recognised as human beings who
should be granted access to education without being compromised.