Abstract ▼ AI-Helper

The purpose of this study was exploring perceptions of people in community towards community use and multiple-use of special school facilities and providing implications for connecting school to the communities. Survey was conducted to special education teachers, parents of children receiving specia...

The purpose of this study was exploring perceptions of people in community towards community use and multiple-use of special school facilities and providing implications for connecting school to the communities. Survey was conducted to special education teachers, parents of children receiving special education, and local residents. Total 5,702 people participated in this study and general finds were as following: (1) All 3 groups of study participants reported that there was a generally positive perception of special schools within the community, however, at the same time, almost quarter of parents having children with disabilities reported negative perceptions of special schools in the community; (2) among the special school facilities, sports facilities appeared to be the most open to the community and difficulties related to the community-open of school facilities included facility management and safety issues, and inteference with students' school activities; (3) facilities suitable for the multi-use of special schools facilities included sports facilities, cultural and creative spaces, and commercial areas, and those facilities could be open to community during non-class hours such as after-school, weekends, and vacations. Based on the results from survey, implications for planning, designing, and implementing multi-use facilities of special schools were provided.

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