Title page for ETD etd-04122010-165504

Type of Document

Dissertation

Author

Hatoum, Rima J.

Author's Email Address

rhatoum@fsu.edu

URN

etd-04122010-165504

Title

Educating Children with Down Syndrome in Lebanon: An Exploratory Study of Urban Mothers' Perspective

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Special Education, Department of

Advisory Committee

Advisor Name	Title
Mary Frances Hanline	Committee Chair
Bruce M. Menchetti	Committee Member
Gideon R. Jones	Committee Member
Susan M. Smedema	Committee Member
Sande Milton	University Representative

Keywords

Exploratory Qualitative Study
Lebanon
Family Issues
Mother's Perspective
Intellectual Disabilities
Down Syndrome
Elementary Education
Special Education

Date of Defense

2010-03-26

Availability

unrestricted

Abstract

In view of the fact that Lebanon does not currently have a special education infrastructure, the purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to understand the phenomenon of educating children with Down syndrome (DS) in Lebanon in terms of the meanings mothers ascribe to it and their description of their experience. The intent was to develop a conceptual ordering of the dynamics of the process that explains their experience and to identify critical factors that surround their quest for educational and related services for their children with DS.

Empirical materials were collected through individual, face to face, semi-structured, long, qualitative interviews with 12 urban mothers of children with DS who are in the elementary school age range. Analysis of the empirical materials revealed that mothers are the vital and driving force behind securing programs for their children with DS and that they go through the following four related processes: (1) adapting to a new reality, (2) pursuing educational programs and related services, (3) accommodating to uncertainty, and (4) preserving self. In addition, four key factors in educating children with DS in Lebanon were identified: (1) financial resources, (2) mother’s background and characteristics, (3) support, and (4) religion. After discussing these empirical findings and comparing them with extant literature, recommendations for research, practice, and policy development are provided.

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