Special Education Centers Research Articles

Özel Eğitim Öğretmenlerinin Aile Eğitim Programlarına Yönelik Görüşlerinin Belirlenmesi

Bu araştırmada özel eğitim öğretmenlerinin görev aldığı özel sınıflarda, özel eğitim ve rehabilitasyon merkezlerinde, rehberlik ve araştırma merkezlerinde ve görme engelliler okullarında aile eğitimi programlarına ilişkin öğretmen görüşlerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmanın verileri, görüşme tekniği aracılığıyla toplanmıştır. Veri analizi ise içerik analizi ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma sonuçları, ilgili kurumlarda aile eğitim programlarının istenen düzeyde ve alan yazın doğrultusunda uygulanmadığını, öğretmenlerin çoğunun aile eğitim programı planlayıp uygulamadığını, aile eğitimi olarak nitelendirilen uygulamaların alan yazın ile örtüşmediğini, öğretmenlerin aile eğitim programları hazırlama ve uygulama sürecinde yaşadıkları kolaylıklar ve zorlukların olduğunu, özel eğitim öğretmenlerinin ise sürece ilişkin öneri ve beklentilerinin olduğu göstermiştir.

Prevalence and Causes of Delinquent Behaviors among Juveniles with Deafness Enrolled in Special Education Institutions in Punjab

Purpose: This research was an effort to find prevalence and causes of delinquency among juveniles with deafness enrolled in special education institutions.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: Population was the teachers of deaf juveniles enrolled in public and private sector of Special Education schools and centers in Punjab. The population of the study included all special education teachers working with deaf children. A Sample of 60 teachers was selected by using simple random sampling technique. Instrument was a self-structured questionnaire consisting of two parts, the first part of questionnaire addressed the demographics of special education teachers and second part consisted of statements on five points Likert type scale (Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree) on prevalence and causes of delinquent behaviors. The validity and reliability of questionnaire was ensured. The data was collected from special education teachers, through email, social media, on telephone and by conducting in person and online meetings. The acquired data was analyzed in terms of frequencies and percentages through descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: The major findings showed that Deaf Juveniles were involved in delinquent behaviors such as smoking, drug addiction, and theft/snatching.
 Implications/Originality/Value: The conclusions were drawn, and recommendations were given to Directorate General of Special Education and to the management of private sector of special education institutions to take practical measures for the prevention of delinquent behaviors among juveniles with deafness.

Unseen Pictures: Plight of the Parents of Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSENs) In Distance Learning

This study utilized the phenomenological research design which aimed to understand the lived experiences of the parents of the learners with special educational needs in distance learning at Pulo National High School- Special Education (SPED) Center. The researcher utilized the framework of Moustakas (1994) which involves bracketing, horizontalization, theme clustering, textural description, structural description, and essence. With the in-depth analysis of the significant statements from the verbatim transcriptions, nine (9) themes emerged. The parents of learners with special educational needs in the implementation of distance learning experienced challenges that include, the pros and cons of distance learning, the need for professional teachers’ intervention, implications on learners’ behavior, competing demands of being a parent and a learning facilitator and learning loss and social gaps. To be able to cope with their experiences for having children with special needs in distance learning , parents must have strong parental involvement and family support system, positive mindset, emotional stability, and strong faith as well as teachers who possessed commitment and compassion. The findings implied that experiences in distance learning of the parents of the learners with educational needs were truly challenging which entails the difficulties and opportunities of distance learning, the need to have professional experts, social and behavioral implications of distance learning to their children, different roles they played in the education of their children and the trouble of thought of the development of the students. Given the challenges that parents experienced in distance learning, the chance of overcoming the struggles is possible through the help and support of the family members, and teachers, by being optimistic, strong, and by being faithful to God.

Педагогічні умови формування етнокультурної компетентності здобувачів початкової освіти

The article defines and characterizes a set of pedagogical conditions for the formation of ethnocultural competence of primary school students. The methodological essence of the concept of "pedagogical conditions" and the state of development of the issue in the scientific and methodological literature are analyzed and revealed. The choice and ways of implementation of pedagogical conditions of formation of ethnocultural competence of primary education pupils in institutions of general secondary education are substantiated. The pedagogical conditions include the creation of a special ethnocultural educational center (zone) in the classroom; introduction of elective courses in the educational process of primary school; use of non-traditional methods in teaching Ukrainian studies courses; use of electronic educational resources during Ukrainian studies classes; intensification of extracurricular ethnocultural activities of junior schoolchildren. The first pedagogical condition involves the creation of a special ethnocultural environment in the classroom, which will help younger students understand the importance, necessity and need to learn ethnocultural values and form an interest in learning and adopting the ethnocultural experience of Ukrainians. The second pedagogical condition in our study is introduction into the educational process of primary school elective course in Ukrainian studies "I love Ukraine" (M. Chabayovskaya, etc.), which aims to ensure the formation of each student's worldview, beliefs, ideals, interests, morals, volitional traits, skills and habits of motivational and personal ethnocultural behavior, a holistic personality – a citizen of Ukraine. The third pedagogical condition for the formation of ethnocultural competence of primary school students is the use, along with traditional non-traditional principles and methods of teaching in Ukrainian studies courses. The fourth pedagogical condition is the use of visualization (electronic educational resources) in the course of Ukrainian studies, which is related to the psychological characteristics of primary school students in terms of perception and assimilation of the educational material.

Perception of Burden and Stress Among Mothers of Autistic Children in Pakistani Cultural Background

Objectives: The study aimed to explore the perceived burden and stress among mothers of autistic children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Riphah International University over 4 months, from October 2020 to January 2021. The samples were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling and comprised 84 mothers (23-60 years old) of children aged 3-16 years with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from different special education centers in Lahore. A demographic questionnaire, Parental Stress Scale (PSS), and Zarit burden interview (ZBI) were used to collect the study data, which were analyzed in SPSS v. 22 software. Results: Forty-five Mothers (53.6%) suffered from moderate to severe burden with a high Mean±SD ZBI (41.75±10.62) and Parental Stress Scale (PSS) scores (48.67±8.04). Also, there is a significant positive correlation between the two scores (r=0.585, P=0.000). A significant association was noted between the mother’s stress and the severity of autism (P=0.006) and the child’s medication (P=0.008), also between the mother’s burden and the child’s age (P=0.019). Discussion: According to the current study’s findings, mothers of children with ASD perceived a high level of burden and stress. The association was seen with factors of children’s age, severity level, and child medication.

Preparing Vulnerable Populations for Science Literacy and Young Adults for Global Citizenship through Service Learning

The establishment of links between the University and the community in which it is embedded is a permanent challenge. Exploring new ways to open university doors to vulnerable populations is a means of developing young adults’ civic responsibility and global citizenship. This relationship of enrichment and mutual benefit does not only crystallize through the transfer of knowledge but also through service. When, within the community, this service is aimed at students with specific needs of educational support (SNES), we enter fully into the field of inclusive education, developing competencies and reaching sustainable development goals, which go far beyond those of mere knowledge-sharing. This paper presents service-learning (SL) projects carried out in English class by undergraduate Engineering and Education students at a Special Education Center for adults. The main goal was to develop a basic linguistic competence in English so that SNES students could understand science texts and technological instructions to handle ICTs with some autonomy. Face-to-face versus online modality use, forced by the pandemic, are contrasted and results are compared over a three-year period. University students’ perceptions on how this pedagogical approach of service learning contributes to their personal growth and consolidation of global citizenship are presented.

An Overview of Inclusive Education in Eastern Aceh, Indonesia: What do the Educational Elements Say?

Children with disabilities indeed are encouraged to have equal status in education with the normal ones. However, some domains may face particular challenges. Our article explores the insights of current inclusive education in eastern Aceh – Kabupaten Aceh Timur, Kabupaten Aceh Tamiang, and Kota Langsa – by discovering the views of 104 participants (students, teachers, principals, and officials of educational departments) on inclusive education. By applying a qualitative approach, we integrated a descriptive method through the distribution of questionnaires and interviews. Further, we analyzed the data in data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing stages. All students – both regular and disabled - had no problems sharing the same classroom, including the teachers and other school facilities, although some disabled thought that their school should have specific needs for them. Meanwhile, the officials had no strong power to support the development of inclusive education, while several schools may model inclusivity based on their school policy. Maximizing existing special education teachers, socializing the disabled’ needs to earn the rights for education within communities, and establishing special education centers at the university level, may contribute to the lack of inclusive education development in those regions.

Special Pathogens Readiness in the United States: From Ebola to COVID-19 to Disease X and Beyond.

Special Pathogens Readiness in the United States: From Ebola to COVID-19 to Disease X and Beyond.

The Evolution of the National Special Pathogen System of Care.

Infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics have repeatedly threatened public health and have severely strained healthcare delivery systems throughout the past century. Pathogens causing respiratory illness, such as influenza viruses and coronaviruses, as well as the highly communicable viral hemorrhagic fevers, pose a large threat to the healthcare delivery system in the United States and worldwide. Through the Hospital Preparedness Program, within the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, a nationwide Regional Ebola Treatment Network (RETN) was developed, building upon a state- and jurisdiction-based tiered hospital approach. This network, spearheaded by the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center, developed a conceptual framework and plan for the evolution of the RETN into the National Special Pathogen System of Care (NSPS). Building the NSPS strategy involved reviewing the literature and the initial framework used in forming the RETN and conducting an extensive stakeholder engagement process to identify gaps and develop solutions. From this, the NSPS strategy and implementation plan were formed. The resulting NSPS strategy is an ambitious but critical effort that will have impacts on the mitigation efforts of special pathogen threats for years to come.

COVID-19 Response Among US Hospitals with Emerging Special Pathogen Programs.

In February 2015, the US Department of Health and Human Services developed a tiered hospital network to deliver safe and effective care to patients with Ebola virus disease (EVD) and other special pathogens. The tiered network consisted of regional special pathogen treatment centers, state- or jurisdiction-designated treatment centers, assessment hospitals able to safely isolate a patient until a diagnosis of EVD was confirmed and transfer the patient, and frontline healthcare facilities able to identify and isolate patients with EVD and facilitate transport to higher-tier facilities. The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) was established in tandem to support the development of healthcare facility special pathogen management capabilities. In August 2020, 20 hospitals that previously received an onsite readiness consultation by NETEC were surveyed to assess how special pathogen programs were leveraged for COVID-19 response. All surveyed facilities indicated their programs were leveraged for COVID-19 response in at least 1 of the following ways: NETEC-sponsored resources and training, utilization of patient isolation spaces, specially trained staff, and supplies. Personal protective equipment shortages were experienced by 95% of facilities, with 80% of facilities reporting that special pathogens program personal protective equipment was used to support facility response to COVID-19 admissions. More than half of facilities (63%) reported leveraging biocontainment unit staff to provide training and education to frontline staff during initial response to COVID-19. These findings have implications for planning and investments to avoid the panic-then-forget cycle that hinders sustained preparedness for future special pathogens.

Self-Esteem Among Individuals with Speech Disorders in Light of Some Variables

The present study aimed to identify the level of self-esteem among individuals with speech disorders; fluency, articulation, and voice disorders, in light of some variables. Researchers used Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale on the study sample consisted of (97) individuals with speech disorders in hearing, speech clinics and special education centers in Jordan. Results showed that the level of self-esteem among individuals with speech disorders was moderate, and the type of disorder was the most influential factor on self-esteem, as individuals with speech and voice disorders had more self-esteem compared to those with fluency disorders (stuttering), results also indicated that individuals with category of less than (18) years old show more self-esteem than those of more than (18) years old, and that those with mild and moderate disorders have more self-esteem than those with severe and very severe disorders, furthermore, study pointed out that there were no statistically significant differences in the degree of self-esteem among individuals with speech disorders attributed to the variables of gender, social status, and monthly income of the family. The study concluded with a number of recommendations, as establishing specific groups for self and inclusive-support to develop self-esteem among individuals with speech disorders.

PROBLEMS OF DISTANCE LEARNING IN LIGHT OF THE CORONA PANDEMIC IN ARAB SCHOOLS INSIDE THE GREEN LINE

The problem of distance learning in light of the Corona pandemic takes the form of an existential crisis, and this teaching method under these epidemiological conditions constitutes a humanitarian disaster. The disastrous Corona epidemic has led to the suspension of the work of various educational institutions, such as kindergartens, schools (public and private), universities and colleges and special education centers, nursing homes, and others. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the most important problems of distance teaching and learning in light of the Corona pandemic in Arab schools within the Green Line from the points of view of teachers and its variations according to a number of variables. The study used the descriptive analytical method. A survey consisting of (30) items was applied to a random sample of (379) male and female teachers from Arab schools within the Green Line. The results of the study showed that the problems of distance teaching in light of the Corona pandemic in Arab schools within the Green Line came to a high degree, and the results showed that there were no statistically significant differences (α = 0.05) between the average estimates of the study sample members for the problems of distance education in light of the Corona pandemic in The Arab schools within the green line are attributed to the gender variable, while there were differences according to the type of school in favor of the secondary school. In light of the results, the study recommended the development of joint training programs and workshops for teachers, students and parents in order to develop their technological skills and develop their knowledge about distance education. Keywords: Problems, Distance Education, Corona Pandemic, Arab Schools.

Contributions of the Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers to the US COVID-19 Pandemic Response.

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) was established in 2015 to improve the capabilities of healthcare facilities to provide safe and effective care to patients with Ebola and other special pathogens in the United States. Through NETEC, a collaborative network of 10 Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTCs) undertook readiness activities that included potential respiratory pathogens. These preparations, which took place before the COVID-19 pandemic, established a foundation of readiness that enabled RESPTCs to play a pivotal role in the US COVID-19 pandemic response. As initial COVID-19 cases were detected in the United States, RESPTCs provided essential isolation capacity, supplies, and subject matter expertise that allowed for additional time for healthcare systems to prepare. Through the Special Pathogen Research Network, RESPTCs rapidly enrolled patients into early clinical trials. During periods of high community transmission, RESPTCs provided educational, clinical, and logistical support to a wide range of healthcare and nonhealthcare settings. In this article, we describe how NETEC and the RESPTC network leveraged this foundation of special pathogen readiness to strengthen the national healthcare system's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. NETEC and the RESPTC network have proven to be an effective model that can support the national response to future emerging special pathogens.

Imparting genital hygiene skills to adolescents with intellectual disabilities attending a special education Centre: a quasi-experimental study on effect of short education

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of education given on genital hygiene to female students attending a special education center. Methods: We interviewed 52 girls selected by meeting the inclusion criteria, using a quasi-experimental method, the single group pre-test post-test model in a special education institution located in the Aegean region in Turkey. Results: The results of the programme the genital hygiene knowledge of the participants had significantly improved. Significantly positive changes were observed in genital hygiene knowledge compared to pre-training (p < .001). Conclusion: It is recommended that the program training and practices to be carried out simultaneously be implemented by healthcare professionals for adolescents with intellectual disability and their parents.

Exploring predictors of adaptive behaviour of children with autism

This research determined the predictors of the adaptive behaviour of children with autism who are enrolled in special education centres using a descriptive correlational design. There were 40 children with autism whose adaptive behaviour was assessed in terms of their communication, daily living, social and motor skills using the modified Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (Vineland-3) together with their profile. Data gathered were treated using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that most of the children were males whose average age was 9.6 years who belonged to low-income families and were enrolled in 2 to 3 years. The children had moderately low adaptive skills in all areas of the adaptive behaviour. Moreover, the profiles of the children were not significant predictors of the four adaptive skills being assessed. Thus, it is recommended that other factors may be considered to identify the predictors of the adaptive behaviour of children with autism. Keywords: Children with autism, communication, daily living, motor, social

Evaluation of Gravitational Insecurity in School-Age Children Diagnosed with Learning Disorder

AIM: This study was conducted to determine the incidence of Gravitational Insecurity in individuals with Specific Learning Disorder.&#x0D; MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 99 children, 65 boys and 34 girls, diagnosed with Specific Learning Disorder in our study. All children participating in the study were attending a special education and rehabilitation center. Physically independent individuals without any orthopedic or neurological diagnosis other than Specific Learning Disorder were included in the study. 99 children were evaluated with the Gravitational Insecurity Assessment and the data obtained were statistically analyzed.&#x0D; RESULTS: Gravitational Insecurity is commonly seen in individuals diagnosed with Specific Learning Disorder. In individuals diagnosed with Specific Learning Disorder, the severity and incidence of Gravitational Insecurity increase with age, there is no significant difference between genders, and these individuals react to different movement patterns at different levels. In individuals diagnosed with Specific Learning Disorder with Gravitational Insecurity, postural symptoms of Gravity Insecurity are observed at higher rates than emotional symptoms. The incidence of both postural and emotional symptoms increases with age.&#x0D;

Investigation of the Views' of the Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder on Suspending Special Education during the Covid-19 Pandemic Process

This study aims to examine the views of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on curfew and suspension of special education during the Covid-19 pandemic. This research was carried out with the mothers of children with ASD who attend a special education center in Gaziosmanpasa, Istanbul. The research is a qualitative study conducted in the phenomenology pattern. "Personal Information Form" and "Semi-Structured Interview Form" prepared by the researchers were used to collect the data, and face-to-face interviews were conducted with the mothers. The analysis of the data was made with the content analysis method. According to the results obtained from the research findings, it was determined that suspension of special education due to Covid-19 has positive and negative effects on children with ASD. When the positive effects are examined, it has been revealed that the pandemic has mostly experienced changes in family relations on children with ASD. The area with the highest negative effects was reported as behavioral problems.

The effect of pet therapy on the stress and social anxiety levels of disabled children: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivePet therapy is an effective method in reducing stress and anxiety levels in the treatment and care of children. This study aimed to determine the effects of pet therapy on the stress and social anxiety levels of physically disabled children. MethodThis study was a single-blind randomized controlled experimental study with a pre-test, post-test and follow-up design. The study was carried out between November 2019 and September 2020 in two separate Special Education and Rehabilitation Centers with a total of 44 physically disabled children, 23 in the control and 21 in the intervention group, who met the inclusion criteria. The NCT number of this study is NCT04231799. The data of the study were obtained through Personal Information Form (PIF), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Social Anxiety in Children Scale-Revised Version (SACS-R) and blood pressure measurements. A pet therapy program was applied to the intervention group. Apart from the standard training given in the rehabilitation center, no intervention was made on the control group ResultsAfter the pet therapy program intervention, it was found that there was a decrease in the mean PSS and SACS-R scores of the children in the intervention group, and this decrease was significant compared to the individuals in the control group (p<0.05). ConclusionIt was determined that the pet therapy program was an effective intervention in reducing the stress and social anxiety levels of the physically disabled children.

The Utilization Level of Computer Techniques by Teachers of Special Education Centers to Give Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders the Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Skills

The study aims to reveal utilization level of computer techniques by teachers of special education centers that give students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) the verbal and non-verbal communication skills; at H.K of Jordan. The study sample consisted of (400) male and female teachers from special education centers in Jordan for the academic year (2020/2021) and developed a questionnaire as the study tool and distributed it in two areas, represented in the verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Researchers implemented the tool on the study sample members after verifying its validity and reiability. Study results showed a meduim utilization level of computer techniques by teachers of special education centers that give students with ASD the verbal and non-verbal communication skills; at the H.K of Jordan. Results also showed nonexistence of statistically significant differences at the utilization level of computer techniques by teachers of special education centers, due to variables of gender, experience, and teachers’ qualification. The study recommended that special education teachers should be trained on the use of Computer techniques to develop verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

Investigation of Published Postgraduate Theses on Individuals with Down Syndrome in the Field of Sport Sciences in Turkey

Background: Sports activities are one of the most important factors that play a role in the rehabilitation of individuals with special needs and their reintegration into society. Individuals with special needs can take the opportunity to protect and develop their existing abilities with the sports activities they participate in. In this context, studies on individuals with Down syndrome in the field of sports sciences gain more importance. Aim: The aim of this research is to examine the postgraduate theses on individuals with down syndrome in the field of sports sciences in Turkey. Methods: In the literature, review studies are generally carried out with three different methods: systematic review, traditional review and meta-analysis. This research was designed using the systematic review method. A total of 176 theses were reached as a result of the search made by scanning the keyword "Down Syndrome" between 20.03.2022 and 30.03.2022 on the database of the Turkish National Thesis Center. As a result of the first evaluation made within the framework of the inclusion criteria of the research, it was determined that 165 theses were outside the field of sports sciences and these theses were not included in the research within the scope of exclusion criteria. Within the scope of the inclusion criteria of the study, it was determined that there were 11 postgraduate theses and these theses were grouped as the theses suitable for the purpose of the research and included in the research. Results: Physical activity, exercise and games improve motor skills of individuals with Down syndrome. The happiness and anxiety levels of parents who participate in practices such as physical activity and exercise increase. Practices such as physical activity and exercise positively affect the psychomotor, cognitive and social development of individuals with Down syndrome. Sportive performance parameters of individuals with Down syndrome vary according to characteristics such as age, height, and gender. Recreational activities in special education and rehabilitation centers positively affect the health, perception and self-behavior levels of children with Down syndrome. Therapeutic recreational activities positively affect the socialization of individuals with Down syndrome. Conclusion: As a result, it can be said that participation physical activities can positively affect the cognitive, affective and physical levels of individuals with Down syndrome. Keywords: Down Syndrome, Sports Sciences, Individuals with Special Needs