Understanding the Situation of Children with Disabilities in Kosovo through Their Own Voice

Abstract

The purpose of the current research is to generate data and impressions from children with disabilities in Kosovo in order to get a deeper understanding for their general situation and daily life in our country. Data were collected qualitatively through semi-structured interviews. In total 10 children with disabilities participated in the research; out of which 6 girls and 4 boys. Participant’s age varied from 7 to 17 years old, representing three types of disabilities: physical, sensory and intellectual disability. The main findings of the research are the following: Children with disabilities are active interpreters of their personal experiences; Children with disabilities develop positive self-perception when their interactions rely only in family bases; Children with disabilities, develop negative self-perception when their social interactions rely beyond the family. Parents tend to develop inappropriate supportive strategies towards their children with disabilities; Children with disabilities face access difficulties; Mainly, children with disabilities hold non-positive perception towards school; Violence is not reported to be a common phenomenon among participants of the research; The current research has its limits; however, future advanced methodologies are recommended to be designed in purpose of generating more objective results.