PARENTAL KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE IN SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS IN SELECTED PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF DALE WOREDA,SIDAMA

<strong>Abstract: </strong>The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices of parents in supporting students with Special Needs. Purposive sampling method was used to select 18 study participants. The study considered students with Special Needs, parents of students with Special Needs and teachers of students with Special Needs. The researcher employed a qualitative research method with a case study design. Data collection instruments such as interview, observation checklist, focus group discussion and document review were used. The finding reveals that the knowledge and practices of parents in supporting students with Special Needs were weak. Furthermore, parents lack knowledge or awareness to support students with Special Needs. Similarly, the absence of counseling and guidance for parents, the existence of unwelcoming school environment and negative attitude towards students with Special Needs and their parents were found challenges facing parents in supporting students with Special Needs. Providing training on the knowledge and skill needed to improve understanding and practice, making school and the society inclusive and welcoming were suggestions found to enhance the knowledge and practices of parents in supporting students with Special Needs. It was recommended that the Dale Woreda administration and education office in collaboration with schools had better create awareness on the concept of students with Special Needs to foster the knowledge and practices of parents in supporting students with Special Needs. In addition, the Dale Woreda administration and educational office in collaboration with the schools could make the school and the community inclusive and welcoming environment for students with Special Needs by providing training and awareness creation on eliminating the negative attitude for the school and surrounding community.