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Title:
Changing Stereotypes With Regard to Special Needs Through Children’s Literature
Creator:
Baghdasaryan, Lilith ; Avagyan, Armenuhi ; Sargsyan, Karine
Corporate Creators:
Խ․ Աբովյանի անվան հայկական պետական մանկավարժական համալսարան
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Uncontrolled Keywords:
inclusive education ; bibliotherapy ; self-esteem measurement ; M. Rokeach Value Survey ; pre-reading discussion
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Abstract:
We had the idea of this research, when we learned, that the children’s book about special needs: R.J. Palacio “Wonder” was translated into Armenian for the first time. Books on this topic have not been written yet by Armenian authors. The point is that during Soviet years the working assumption was that all the people were “like each other”, perfect, beautiful, without problems, without disorders; all those, who did not meet those criteria (who had visual, auditory, physical, mental, even speech and communication limitations), grew up and spent their lives in special boarding institutions, segregated from their families and society. Being ashamed of their children, who were not ideal, the parents kept them at home, hidden from acquaintances, neighbours, sometimes even from relatives. Attitudes have begun to change since then, and inclusive education has been a goal in Armenia since 2001. Despite the 15-year history of efforts at inclusive education, acceptance of people with special needs is still not evident in all corners of Armenian society. One of the most prevalent short-comings is the stereotyping of people with special needs. We decided to use the reading of the book R.J. Palacio “Wonder” for the purpose of helping people confront their attitudes and stereotypes about disabilities as they explored the lives in this unique book.
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Երևան