Authors : Hasnah Toran, Virawaty Yunus, Mohd Hanafi Mohd Yasin and Wan Nazilah Wan Md Zain
Abstract: Parents of children with disabilities need information and practical support in order to reinforce their confidence and ability to cope with the stress of parenting their children. The objective of this study is to to gain an understanding on the availability and types of support perceived by parents of children with disabilities in Malaysia. About 20 parents of children with various disabilities were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed for themes. Findings suggested that there is a lack of comprehensive information and support for parents of children with disabilities in Malaysia. Instead, support for parents come from informal sources, such as family, friends and other parents. Formal support from government agencies, non-governmental organizations and the private sector should be improved in order to empower parents to provide better care for their children. Suggestions on how to improve these services include getting parents input and carrying out evaluations of current services.
Hasnah Toran, Virawaty Yunus, Mohd Hanafi Mohd Yasin and Wan Nazilah Wan Md Zain, 2013. Support for Parents of Children with Disabilities in Malaysia. The Social Sciences, 8: 213-219.