Abstract: The purpose of this study was to establish the extent of caregivers’ involvement on early intervention of children with speech and language disorders in Tenwek Hospital, Bomet County. The involvement of caregivers and families of children with communication disorders is vital for any effective early intervention services. The study was guided by Normalization Process Theory by May, (2006).The study adopted a case study research design and used accessible population of 62 respondents comprising of caregivers and two Tenwek outpatient clinic therapists in Bomet County. The study employed purposive sampling technique and utilized all the accessible population. Data was collected by administering questionnaires to the caregivers and interview guides to therapists. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics in form of frequency counts, percentages and tables with the aid of SPSS computer program while qualitative data was analysed thematically. The study found that Caregivers were involved in the intervention mainly by attending therapy appointments, communicating with staff in decision making and parent-child therapy. In conclusion, caregiver empowerment and participation at all levels need to become an integral component of early intervention services for young children with speech and language disorders. The study recommends need for more speech therapist, public sensitization on the cause, signs, prevention mechanisms and accessible treatment programs for children with speech and language disorders. It is hoped that the study findings will give an insight on the best approach to caregivers’ involvement and the extent of involvement in planning and implementation of early intervention programs on speech and language disorders in Kenya.
Keywords: caregivers, extent, involvement, early intervention, speech and language disorders, Kenya.
Title: Caregivers’ Extent of Involvement in Early Intervention Program for Children with Speech and Language Disorders in Tenwek Hospital, Bomet County, Kenya
Author: Sianyo E.Obure, Mathew Karia, Tom O. Abuom
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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