Subjective attitudes of the parents of a child with disability to selected aspects of their quality of life

J. Except. People 2016, 5(1):15-30

Subjective attitudes of the parents of a child with disability to selected aspects of their quality of life

Zdeňka Kozáková: Institute of Special Education Studies, Faculty of Education, Palacký University, Žižkovo náměstí 5, 771 40 Olomouc, Czech Republic

The quality of life of families caring for a disabled individual is a highly topical issue, which deserves due attention. In order to provide these families with quality special education care and support, first it is desirable to identify their needs in a comprehensive manner. Firstly, the paper defines the theoretical background and terminology of the issue. Then the paper presents the results of a research study, whose objective was to identify the subjective attitudes of the parents of a disabled child to selected aspects of the quality of their life. The research was carried out by means of the questionnaire method. The research involved 37 families of children with disability. The results of the research points out that a family caring for a child with disability is burdened both financially and physically, which influences the quality of life of all its members. The answers of the respondents also indicate a degree of dissatisfaction with the help of the state provided to families with a disabled child. Whether it be material support or a greater understanding on the part of the state and state institutions. The results also imply that caring for a child with disability has an effect on the partnership of the parents and their leisure time, it also brings intense feelings of fatigue. The research also indicates that a crucial role is played whether a family caring for a child with disability is assisted by another person or institution, who take over some responsibilities. The paper emphasises several areas that should be addressed with due attention in the future, and outlines possible solutions. The final part of the paper summarizes and compares the results of the present research with the results of other professionals. This issue is addressed by professionals both in the Czech Republic and abroad.

Keywords: family, disability, quality of life, support, care, questionnaire

Grants and funding:

The paper is dedicated to the following project: 'Perception of subjective impact of health disability/presence of chronic disease and concept of health awareness and literacy' (IGA_PdF_2015_003).

Published: December 11, 2016 Show citation

Kozáková, Z. (2016). Subjective attitudes of the parents of a child with disability to selected aspects of their quality of life. Journal of Exceptional People, 5(8), 15-30

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