Poo Pai's concepts and methods in management of children with disability

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to reveal the concept and attitude of a local wisdom care giver, Mr. Pai Somseela (Grandpa Pai or Poo Pai), towards development and care for disable person in the community. Qualitative approach was chosen for data collection and analysis. The researchers went to interview and observe on his way of thinking and attitude toward disable person since he had a grand son who was disable due to cerebral palsy. Audio and video-tape records were employed during data collection and investigation. The researchers found that love and care for his grand son were major keys for caring the disable person. He had done many toys for his grand son to play and practice on movement control of the spastic limbs. He noticed that by proper playing with the toys, the spasticity could be reduced. The toys should be simple and suite local culture of living as well as the children’s needs. They should facilitate the children with the same age group to play together. It is concluded that Mr Somseela have had positive attitude towards disable persons and built toys for them as tools for rehabilitation and served their needs.