Assessing the Practices and Challenges of Gondar University Community Based Rehabilitation Services for Deaf Children (GU-CBR)-Ethiopia

Abstract

The general objective of this study is to assess the practice and challenges of community based rehabilitation (CBR) services for deaf children. The participants of the study were deaf children, the parents of the children, community based rehabilitation workers (CBRWs) & supervisors and program coordinator. The participants were selected using purposive sampling techniques. In this study, various data gathering instruments like interview, focus group discussion (FGD), document review and observation were employed. The data collected through different instruments were analyzed qualitatively. The result of the study revealed that the common rehabilitation services that GU-CBR program provided for children with deafness are medical, educational, and social and awareness raising. Children with deafness, parents, community and different governmental and non-governmental organizations are actively participated in implementing activities of the CBR program. The common challenges of this program are lack of well trained professionals in the area, negative societal attitude and the bureaucratic structure of governmental offices (including Gondar University). The program should have or cooperate with a well-qualified professionals and interdisciplinary team in the areas of rehabilitating deaf children.

Keywords: rehabilitation, community based rehabilitation, deaf and challenge