Dukungan Keluarga pada Anak Berkebutuhankhusus (Tunagrahita) Melalui Program Kemandirian di SDLBN 033702 Sidikalang

Abstract

This article is entitled "Family Support for children with special needs (mentally retarded) through the independence program at SDLBBN 037702 Sidikalang". This study used a qualitative research method with a descriptive approach. The techniques used in data collection are in-depth interviews, observation and documentation. Primary data obtained directly by the author is derived from interviews with informants. While secondary data is obtained from the writings and documents needed with the topic concerned with the thesis theme/title. The results of the study show that family support has a positive relationship with mentally retarded children. Mental retardation is an individual who has disturbances in his intelligence, has difficulty doing things without the help of others and socializing with the environment, because he has an inability within himself. However, parental refusal of children will result in bad parenting. so that children become less independent socially and ultimately unable to adapt to the environment, for this reason family support is very important to be given to older children. In this study, two of the four informants provided family support holistically, while the four supports in this study included informational support, assessment support, instrumental support and emotional support. Two informants in this study had difficulty providing instrumental support due to economic limitations. The independence programs provided by schools include: self-care, self-care, self-help, communication, socialization and adaptation, life skills, and free time. In achieving independence, the four informants have helped children well despite the difficulties in spending free time with children because of jobs that cannot be left behind.