Journal of Educational Sciences > Volume 2, No. 1, 1990

How to Motivate Parents of Handicapped Children to Participate in Special Education Programs / Abdelaziz Mustafa Al-Sartawi, Kamal Salem Sesalem

Any initial comparison of special education services between Arab nations and the advanced countries in this field, such as the United States and the Scandinavian countries, reveals a general impres- sion oi shortages offered to the handicapped in our societies. With more investigation, one can see the generality of negative and traditional directions of these services in our countries as a whole, and the exclusion of the parents’ effective involvement in all educational stages of their children. Accordingly, this study aims to present the different ways and methods that can encourage and guarantee the participation of the handicapped‘s family in developing and implementing the special education programs to the highest degree possible. In order to reach this goal, this study has briefly mentioned the needs and concerns of these families so they can be taken into consideration in any plan made to enhance their  participation in these programs. In addition, the study pointed out different means and training methodologies that can be used to assure parents’ contribution by supporting them in their roles as advocates, families and teachers. To communicate with the parents effectively, the study addressed various channels which start with large group meetings. small group meetings, and meetings on an individual basis.