The relevance of parental involvement programmes in developing countries

摘要

SummaryThe rationale for parent involvement programmes with handicapped children is presented and analysed from a third world perspective. The mothers’ reaction to the role is discussed. Potentially damaging consequences of adopting a teaching role are considered. The results of a questionnaire administered to 137 Guyanese mothers are presented. The questionnaire focused on the mothers’ understanding of the concept of child development, their belief in being able to help the child acquire certain developmental tasks and an analysis of the opportunities they had for teaching. The questionnaire revealed that the philosophy underlying parental involvement is relevant in a Guyanese context; however, certain practical constraints need to be apprecia