Author: Tapasi Biswas & Dr. Biswajit Chatterjee
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/03110042
Abstract: This study examined parents’ attitudes towards the education of Educable Intellectually Disabled Children (EIDC) in West Bengal using a mixed-method research design. Quantitative data were collected from 321 parents and analysed through descriptive statistics, Levene’s test, and independent-samples t-tests. Qualitative responses from 35 parents were analysed using content analysis to explain attitudinal differences and similarities. The findings revealed no statistically significant difference between male and female parents, suggesting comparable levels of concern, involvement, and support for EIDC education. However, significant differences were observed in parents’ education level, locale, and type of special school. Parents with higher-secondary education, urban parents, and parents of children enrolled in non-government special schools demonstrated more favourable attitudes than their respective counterparts. Qualitative findings indicated that parental attitudes were shaped by emotional responses, future aspirations, parenting challenges, instructional support needs, awareness of educational services, and expectations of institutional and financial assistance. The study highlights the importance of strengthening parental awareness, counselling, and training, particularly among rural and less-educated parents. It also underscores the need for more responsive school-parent collaboration to improve educational participation and outcomes for EIDC.
Keywords: Parental Attitude; Educable Intellectually Disabled Children; Special Education; Mixed-Method Research; West Bengal.
Page No: 337-344