Challenges of teaching the deaf-blind learner in an education setting in Johannesburg: Experiences of educators and assistant educators

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that educators of deaf-blind students in the South African context have specific challenges in the educational setting because of their lack of adequate knowledge on deaf-blindness and a lack of sufficient training on communication, teaching and learning strategies. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the challenges experienced by educators and assistant educators of children with deaf-blindness. METHOD: Ten educators and assistant educators were selected purposively to participate in the study (Male = 3; Female = 7; age range 31–49 years). Participants were recruited from a school for the deaf-blind in Johannesburg. Participants completed semi-structured interviews on the challenges that they experienced when educating learners who are deaf-blind. RESULTS: Findings from the data after inductive thematic analysis suggested the following: (1) under-preparedness of educators and assistant educators, (2) communication challenges, (3) challenges related to the diversity of deaf-blind learners and (4) lack of support structures for educators and assistant educators. CONCLUSION: There is a need for ongoing educator training on communication strategies, cultural diversity and inclusive strategies. A collaborative model of delivering training and inclusive education that will encompass educators and therapists as a means of supporting both the educator and the learner who is deaf and blind is needed. Such a collaboration may result in positive outcomes for both the educator and the deaf-blind learner.