Saowaruk Sukontharungsee. The study of problems, needs and planning in counseling & guidance of deafblind cases in the rehabilitation institutes. Master's Degree(Rehabilitation Service for Persons with Disabilities). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2003.
The study of problems, needs and planning in counseling & guidance of deafblind cases in the rehabilitation institutes
Abstract:
This research on deaf blindness is the first official research done in Thailand. The first collection was 130 cases, selected from 14 deaf and blind institutions. Later, 35 cases from 8 places, age ranging from 7-60 years old, were used in this study. The survey was done by questionnaire, consisting of 37 questions constructed by the researcher. Questions were asked directly to the clients by the researcher, using one sign language interpreter throughout the study. In case the communication failed, collection of data was obtained from parents, teachers or caregivers of the clients. Clinical examination and findings were obtained from eye and ear specialists. Results on their needs and their problems were obtained after the clinical examination was finished. Data analysis was calculated in percentage. Later, results were used for counseling guidelines. Most cases were selected from schools for the deaf (62.86%) with age ranging 11-20 years (60.0%). Sex ratio between male and female is 1.9 and 1.0. Cases who had congenital deafness-adventitious blindness (CD-AB) were 17 (48.58%), congenital deafblindness (CDB) were 16 (45.71%), and congenital blindness-adventitious deafness (CB-AD) were 2 (5.71%). According to the research the causes of deaf blindness, were Maternal Rubella 9 cases (25.71%), Usher syndrome 6 cases (17.14%), and premature birth 1 case (2.86%). Cases that were able to orally communicate were only 2 (5.71%), using sign language were 20 (57.14%), and using only gestures and body language were 16 (45.71%). The questionnaire is divided into 4 groups based on deafblind peoples needs. In the medical area (1) they wanted to have annual eye and ear examinations once a year (40.0%). (2) They needed low vision devices 14.29%, (3) and they needed hearing aids 8.57%. In the area of education, they needed (1) education and training to be an independent person 40.0%, (2) they wanted to study in an informal education program 11.43%, (3) they wanted to extend their college education at Ratchasuda College 5.71%, and they felt they had no need for further education beyond grade 6th 2.86%. In the area of social needs, they wanted to be well accepted by non-disabled people 80.0%, needed budget for training and education 51.43%.
According to vocational training, they needed job training 17.14%, and to have their own private job 14.29%.
The report of their problems state that they are (1) lacking a deafblind interpreter
100%, (2) and have problems in communicating with non-disabled people 85.71%, (3) the
problem with poor attitudes of non-disabled toward the deafblind group was 91.43%. They felt
there was an attitude and belief that deafblind cases are unable to be an independent person
57.14%. There was a problem and misconception that the deafblind are mentally retarded
people 31.43%. Other problems mentioned were a lack of specialized teachers for the
deafblind 71.43%, and that the Thai government have never had a policy on deafblind
rehabilitation 28.27%.
Suggestions for further studies are, (1) to increase surveys on deafblindness. (2) A
preparation on the rehabilitation process and services as well as the Individualized Education
Program (IEP) for the deafblind. Last but not least is to set up a counseling procedure for this
group in Thailand