Trainable mental retardation in the Coloured and Black communities of Cape Town : prevalence and provision of services

This thesis estimates the prevalence of trainable mental retardation in the Coloured and Black communities of Cape Town; estimates the present shortfall in facilities provided; and discusses implications of present conditions for the future provision of a comprehensive service network. Information regarding prevalence is necessary in order to facilitate planning: however, since detailed data are not available, this study estimates prevalence on the basis of data derived from previous prevalence studies, conducted both overseas and in South Africa. Results indicate that the present provision of facilities in the study area is inadequate however, while the shortfall is serious in the Coloured community, it is critical in the Black community. The implications of present conditions for the future provision of services is discussed, this being informed by overseas and local experience and by contextual difficulties such as economic constraints and State policy. Proposals are made with specific reference to issues such as coordination, and that response be context-related and dictated by locally identified needs. In conclusion, the thesis outlines a number of directions for further work in this and related areas, the overriding principle being that there is a great need for research to be community-oriented.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Psychology

Year dc:date.issued

1986

Author dc:creator

• Eichhorn, Henk Frederick

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Levett, Ann

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/15799

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/15799