Abstract:
Empowering Persons with Deaf-blindness to become agents of change, demand their rights, and affirm their dignity as human beings through advocacy and empowerment towards more robust community activism. This study aims to explore the parental education on raising deaf-blind children in rural areas in Rwanda, with a case of ROPDB. To achieve this, the specific objectives were to determine the effects of parental education on raising deaf-blind children in Rwanda, to identify the challenges are challenges that deaf-blind children are facing in Rwanda and to propose strategies to manage the challenges of raising a deaf-blind child. The researcher reviewed the related literature to develop the study's full idea; primary and secondary data were obtained and analyzed, and the researcher used 50 people to get accurate data. The results found that 94% of the majority of respondents said that ROPDB improved communication skills and interactions, 30% said that ROPDB provided the deaf-blind on emotional and psychological support. However, 20% mentioned that ROPDB provided family and caregiver support as well as advocacy and awareness with 94% of respondents. However, 50% of respondents said that ROPDB provides healthcare and education opportunity. The research result found that 100.0% of respondents mentioned that they are challenged by access healthcare and education services while 44% of respondents confirmed stigma and discrimination in the community affect deafblind children. However, 40% said that they faced with social or culture children while 60% of them said that they had not access on education and training on caring for deafblind children.70% of respondents confirmed that reducing cultural and social stigma is one of strategy to overcome those challenges. To reduce stigma and promote inclusion, run nationwide awareness campaigns about deaf blindness, educate communities, teachers, and healthcare providers. Utilize media and community outreach programs, especially in rural areas.60% of respondents indicates that enhancing communication skills/methods could be another strategy to overcome those challenges. 20% of respondents agreed that accessing resources and services is another strategy to overcome those challenges. Accessing resources and services is a cornerstone strategy for overcoming the challenges faced by deafblind individuals in Rwanda. 50% of respondents said that improved access to healthcare and enhanced educational opportunities is another strategy to overcome those challenges.
