Bannink Mbazzi, Femke; Kawesa, Elizabeth; Nimusiima, Claire; Nalugya, Ruth; van Hove, Geert; Seeley, Janet; (2023) ‘We Have to Try and Teach Them from Home’ – Parents’ Perspectives on Education of Children with Disabilities During the First Year of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Uganda. International Journal of Disability Development and Education, 71 (7). pp. 1076-1093. ISSN 1034-912X DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1034912x.2023.2279788
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Abstract
Since March 2020, Uganda has confirmed cases of COVID-19 and implemented a response to curb the spread, which included over 12 months of school closure for most children. In this study we investigated parents’ perspectives of the impact of the COVID-19 response on education of children with disabilities enrolled in primary schools in Central Uganda during the first 12 months of the outbreak. We conducted four rounds of interviews with 27 parents of children with disabilities, which were analysed thematically. Parents described a lack of financial resources, food, learning materials, and teaching skills necessary to provide meaningful home education. Parents were concerned about the long-term impact school closure may have on their child’s development, behaviour, and social life. Although parents were happy about the phased school re-opening, they expressed concerns about the financial costs involved in sending children back to school, and wondered how children would cope with prevention measures. School closure has greatly impacted the education of children with disabilities in Uganda. There is a need to consider inequality, poverty, and culture when studying children with disabilities during the COVID-19 outbreak, and prioritise and include this group in designing COVID-19 responses, prolonged home learning and school reopening plans.
Item Type | Article |
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Faculty and Department |
Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health > Dept of Population Health (2012- ) Faculty of Public Health and Policy > Dept of Global Health and Development |
Research Centre | Centre for Maternal, Reproductive and Child Health (MARCH) |
Elements ID | 211767 |
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