Abstract

MARTINEZ SERRANO, Idalmis et al. Training Program for Defectologists Working with Deaf-blind Children with Sensory-integrative Dysfunction in Primary Health Care. Medisur [online]. 2011, vol.9, n.6, pp.557-562. ISSN 1727-897X.

Background: defectologists´ training for the management of deaf-blind people is a topic being currently investigated by different authors. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a training program for defectologists working with deaf-blind children with sensory-integrative dysfunction in primary health care. Methods: before and after intervention research including all defectologists in primary health care in the province of Cienfuegos from June 2006 to July 2008. With this research some aspects were determined: special defectologists´ attention received by children who are deaf-blind in the province and initial training and expertise level to rehabilitate deaf-blind children with sensory-integrative dysfunction. Defectologists´ capacities were measured through a diagnostic test that allowed the design and implementation of a training program and a reference material. The final evaluation was conducted through a rehabilitation exercise and interviews to defectologists in order to measure their satisfaction levels. Results: None of the children had received specialized attention. 87, 5% of defectologists received specialized training, but none of them reached the necessary proficiency level (B) in the diagnostic test. After training, 84, 3% of them reached the appropriate proficiency level. Conclusions: The training program allows adequate preparation with an accurate scientific basis and a matching with our real needs.

Keywords : education; specialization; education, special; disabled children; deaf-blind disorders; hearing impaired persons; visually impaired persons.