Research on the social inclusion of children with disabilities in Montenegro - UNICEF, 2010

Research on the social inclusion of children with disabilities in Montenegro FOR:

Avgust 2010.

Nobody’s Unpredictable

Way of collecting data, field surveys done in the household respondents, “face to face“ Source of data based on a representative sample of the population of Montenegro of 18 years and over The sample size was 1014 respondents Type a three-stage stratified sample, random sample, the stages:  The territory of the polling station (about 200 households) chosen with probability proportional to size - PPS  Household, selected randomly from the given address steps (simulation SPSWoR sample schemes)  Elected member of the household using Kish tables (SPSWoR sample simulation schemes) Stratification is based on:  Types of settlements - urban / rural  The four geo-economic regions  Post stratification based on: gender, age, type of settlement and four geoeconomic regions Field control in 12% of the sample, control logic and control consistence in 100% Data collection took place from 05 August 13th August 2010th Inclusion of children with disabilities

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METHODOLOGY

2

The structure of the sample Base: N=1014 62%

52% 48%

46% 38% 32%

30% 26%

26% 19%

19%

21%

21%

20%

17%

15%

Inclusion of children with disabilities

Age

Region

Rural

Urban

East

West

Coast

Podgorica

Education in the

Secondary

Primary and lower

65+

Higher and high Education

Type

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Gender

50-64

40-49

30-39

18-29

Female

Male

8%

3

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AWARENESS ABOUT CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Inclusion of children with disabilities

4

The free association of children with disabilities Base: Total target population

First answer Sadness, pity, poor children

35%

They need help, someone else's care, helpless

10%

Accidents, evil fate, nausea, pain

9% 6%

Society must be more to help, pay attention

4%

Children with absence, disorder

4%

Disabled children

Sadness, pity, poor children

40%

Accidents, evil fate, nausea, pain

12%

They need help, someone else's care, helpless

12%

Disease, sick children

6%

Society must be more to help, pay attention

5%

Understanding, solidarity, humanity

4%

Children with absence, disorder

4%

They do not have a normal life, hard life

4%

Disabled children

3%

Incapable of normal growth and development

3%

3%

They do not have a normal life, hard life

3%

Understanding, solidarity, humanity

3%

Incapable of normal growth and development

3%

• The first association which citizens have when children with disabilities are mentioned is compassion (35%).

•Among all spontaneously mentioned associations compassion is also dominant (40%), and it is followed by adversity, ill fate, anguish, suffering (12%) and helplessness (12%).

•Other associations also follow similar emotional tone – children with disabilities are associated with illness, being disturbed, abnormality, vulnerability. A number of associations are directed towards recognition of need for help, showing of understanding and solidarity.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

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Disease, sick children

All answers

5

The free association of children with disabilities, depending on the information

40% Sadness, pity, poor children

6% 3% 3% 3% 1%

Accidents, evil fate, nausea, pain

44% They know something

13% 11%

Disease, sick children

8% 6% 3% 2% 1%

Society must be more to help, pay attention 28%

9% They know a lot or very much

19% 4%

They need help, alien care, helpless

The difficult situation for the family, parents Threatened, in trouble

8% 2% 1% 8%

Someone you know (child, cousin ...)

It is interesting that people who know a lot about this category of children in significantly less association with the compassion, and significantly increased their need for assistance.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

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I do not know nothing or little

12% 11%

6

Terms which are referred to as children with disabilities Base: Total target population

Disabled children

23% 17%

Children with disabilities

12% 10%

Children with special needs in the development of

7% 6%

Children, as well as other children, does not distinguish

3% 3%

Retarded children / backward in the development of

3% 2%

Mentally retarded children

2% 2%

Children who need help

1% 1%

Defective children

1% 1%

Other answers

1%

• Most frequently used expression in general population for such children is handicapped children (23%). o Expressions which are also widely used in population are the ones which belong to outdated terminology – children with special needs (17%) and children with disablement (12%). o It is worth mentioning that one out of ten citizens uses the term sick children, and another 6% use characterization poor, sorrowful, great pity.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

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7%

7

Damage and the difficulty in recognizing that children with disabilities Multiple answers; Base: Total target population

26%

Physical appearance

24%

Speaking (difficult, unintelligible ...)

14%

Moving (problems, aggravated by walking ...)

14%

Disability

13%

Behavior

11%

Blind child 8%

Deaf child

7%

Hearing

7%

Visual impairment

7%

Mental / psychological deficiency

7%

Mental retardation

7%

Gestures, movements

6%

Deformation of the body, bodily injury

6%

The lack of a body

6%

Inclusion of children with disabilities

•Characteristics according to which children with disabilities are most frequently recognized are physical appearance or physical handicap (40%). Frequently mentioned indicators are also difficult or unintelligible speech (24%) or problems with mobility (14%). •Physical appearance is more relevant for persons who have children, as well as the citizens with the lowest income and those from rural settlements.

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Immobility, paralysis

8

Damage and the difficulty in recognizing that children with disabilities Multiple answers; Base: Total target population

3%

Blind child Deaf child Hearing Visual impairment Deaf-mute child

Behavior Mental / psychological deficiency Mental retardation Mental disorder / illness Children with special needs in the development of Autism Down's syndrome Aggressiveness Gestures, movements Glance, the eyes Face / the face / mime / face Speaking (difficult, unintelligible ...)

Mute child Difficult communications Do not know / No answer

Inclusion of children with disabilities

6% 6% 5%

4%

3% 2%

5% 5% 4%

3% 2%

8%

7% 7% 7%

7% 7%

26%

14% 14%

82%*

The physical appearance and movement problems 11%

Sensory deficits

13%

Intellectual deficits and mental disorders

46%*

Mime, gestures, movements

12%*

6%

24%

3% 2%

Speech and Communication 7%

37%*

29%*

* The percentage of people who spontaneously mentioned some of the responses within the categories of derivative

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Physical appearance Moving (problems, aggravated by walking ...)

Disability Immobility, paralysis Deformation of the body, bodily injury The lack of a body Wheelchair / orthopedic devices Handicap / disability

9

In your opinion, to what extent does each of the following groups of children belong to category of children with disabilities? belongs (4+5)

Children who lack so m e part of the body

7%

88%

Children with permanent damage or deformation of a body part

8%

86%

Blind children

11 %

79%

Deaf children

11 %

78%

Children injured intelligence

11 %

75%

Autistic children

11 %

74%

Psychotic children

12%

Extremely aggressive children

17%

Children with severe disorders of attention

17%

72% 69% 62%

Children with speech disorders

22%

61%

Children with serious emotional difficulties

21%

60%

Children with severe damaged? Trials hearing

21% 25%

Children affected by AIDS virus (AIDS) Children who suffer from leukemia

28%

Children who suffer from hepatitis

27%

Hyperactive children, ie. children who are overly active in situations where they should be (for example, during the teaching)

34%

Children with severe damaged? Trials of vision (glasses larger than / - 10)

32%

Children with congenital heart defects Children who suffer from asthma

Inclusion of children with disabilities

58%

41% 47%

55% 49% 47% 44% 41% 32% 25%

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does not belong (1+2)

10

Inclusion of children with disabilities 21 21

30

25

49

21

28

47

20

27

44

10

34

41

32

32

41

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22

38

55

Children who suffer from asthma

17

40

58

Children with congenital heart defects

17 40

60

Hyperactive children, ie. children who are overly active in situations where they should be (for example, during the Children with severe vision oštešenjima (diopter greater than / - 10)

12 45

does not belong (1+2)

Children who suffer from hepatitis

11

52

61

Children who suffer from leukemia

11

59

62

Children affected by AIDS virus (AIDS)

63

69

Children with severe hearing disability

belongs (4+5)

Children with serious emotional teškošama

64

72

Children with speech disorders

11

74

Children with severe disorders of attention

11 67

75

Extremely aggressive children

8 68

78

Psychotic children

79 79

Autistic children

81

Children injured intelligence

86

Deaf children

88

Blind children

7

Children with permanent damage or deformation of a body part

Children who lack some part of the body

In your opinion, to what extent does each of the following groups of children belong to category of children with disabilities? balance

25

9 -9 -22 47

11

In your opinion, to what extent does each of the following groups of children belong to category of children with disabilities?

4 ,5

C h ild re n w h o la c k s o m e p a rt o f th e b o d y

4 ,3

C h ild re n w ith p e rs is te n t o š te š e n jim a o r d e fo rm a tio n o f a b o d y p a rt B lin d c h ild re n

4 ,2

D e a f c h ild re n

4 ,2

A u tis tic c h ild re n

4 ,1

C h ild re n in ju re d in te llig e n c e

4 ,1 4 ,0

P s y c h o tic c h ild re n

3 ,9

E x tre m e ly a g g re s s iv e c h ild re n C h ild re n w ith se ve re d is o rd e rs o f a tte n tio n

3 ,7

C h ild re n w ith s p e e c h d is o rd e rs

3 ,7 3 ,6

C h ild re n w ith s e rio u s e m o tio n a l d iffic u ltie s C h ild re n w ith se ve re h e a rin g d is a b ility

3 ,5

C h ild re n a ffe c te d b y A ID S viru s (A ID S )

3 ,5 3 ,4

C h ild re n w h o su ffe r fro m le u k e m ia

3 ,3

C h ild re n w h o su ffe r fro m h e p a titis H y p e ra c tiv e c h ild re n , ie . c h ild re n w h o a re ove rly a c tiv e in s itu a tio n s w h e re th e y s h o u ld b e (fo r e x a m p le , d u rin g th e te a c h in g )

3 ,2 3 ,1

C h ild re n w ith se ve re visio n im p a irm e n ts (d io p te r g re a te r th a n / - 1 0 ) a te r th a n / - 1 0 ) C h ild re n w h o su ffe r fro m a s th m a

Inclusion of children with disabilities

2 ,9 2 ,7

• Children that are identified to the highest extent as children with disabilities (average grade 4 and more on a 5 point scale) are: children without some part of the body, or children with severe deformations, then children with sensory disorders (blind of deaf children), as well as the children with mental difficulties (autistic, children with impaired intelligence and psychotic children).

• Children that are identified to the smallest extent as children with disabilities are those who suffer from asthma (2.7), children with congenital heart defect (2.9), as well as the children with children with severe vision impairments (3.1).

• Observed in general, degree of identification of any mentioned category as children with disabilities is higher among the citizens who do not have direct experience with such children, in eastern part of the country and in rural areas.

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The average values ; Base: Total target population

12

Do you know any child with disabilities, or someone whose child has problems of this kind ?

Base: Total target population

Depending on the information on children with disabilities:

No 32% 54%

I do not know nothing or little

46%

76%

They know something

They know a lot or very much

No

24%

90% 10%

• Great majority of the citizens (68%) know some child with disabilities or parent of child with such or similar disabilities.

•Citizens from western part of the country, as well as those with the lowest income, have somewhat more positive experience with children with disability compared with the average.

•As it was expected, personal experience and level of being informed are in positive correlation: citizens who do not have personal experience with children with disabilities are less informed about them and vice verse.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

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Yes 68%

Yes

13

How often do you have contacts with children with disabilities?

Base: Total target population

Everyday links:

8% 10%

Once in 2-3 months

12%

18%

101 - 200

12%

Refuses to answer

14%

8%

11%

Once a year

Podgorica

10%

Coast

10%

14%

I do not have any contact with children with disabilities

10% 4%

West

12%

East

• Majority of the citizens (86%) had or have contact with children with disabilities. Majority of them realize such contact once a month or les frequently, while a total of 13% of the citizens have everyday contact with children with disabilities.

•One out of ten citizens state that they have no contact whatsoever with children with disabilities.

•Citizens with the lowest level of education, those with the lowest income, as well as those from eastern part of the country have everyday contact with children with disabilities.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

21%

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Less than once a year

Refuses to answer

11%

More than 200

11%

Once in 6 months

Secondary

Do 100

11%

Several times a month Once a month

20%

Higher and high

4%

Income

Once a week

5%

Region

Several times a week

Education

Primary and lower

13%

Daily

14

What is your source of information about children with disabilities?

Multiple answer; Base: Total target population

From media (TV, newspapers, radio, Internet)

61%

Through the stories I hear from friends, relatives, acquaintances

47%

Through daily experience in the street, in shops, public transport and the like.

28%

From local health center and hospitals

12%

Through the stories from school, which I hear from my children

12%

Experience with own child who has similar problems and interference

4%

I do not have any information about children with disabilities

2%

Other

2% 1%

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Refuses to answer

•Dominant source of information about children with disabilities are media (61%). However, significant percentage of the citizens are informed by other people (47%), or through experience in the street, public transport, shops (28%).

•4% of the citizens claim that their source of information about this issue is personal experience with the child who has similar difficulties.

•As expected, personal experience is a more important source of information for citizens who know some child with disabilities, while those who do not have such experience rely on media to a higher extent.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

15

All things considered, how well are you informed about the children with disabilities?

Base: Total target population

I know very little about children with disabilities

38%

Primary and lower

43%

Education

I know something about children with disabilities

41% 14% 49% 7% 45%

Secondary

Sum Sum +

12%

Higher and high 12%

Sum +

I know a lot about children with disabilities

9%

37%

Higher and high

M=2.6

19% 35%

Yes

No

16% 64% 4%

3%

•It can be concluded that citizens are generally insufficiently informed about children with disabilities – they themselves rate their knowledge with average grade 2.6 on a five point scale.

•Just slightly more than one out of ten citizens state that they know a lot about these children, while the rest are evenly distributed to those who claim that they know nothing, or very little (44%) and those who state that they know something (43%).

•Female citizens are somewhat more informed about children with disabilities, as well as highly educated citizens and citizens who have personal experience with these children.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

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I know very much about children with disabilities

10%

Female

44%

Sum -

48%

Male

Gender

7%

Know DSR

I do not know anything about children with disabilities

16

In your opinion, among children aged up to 18 years, what percentage are the children with disabilities Up to 3% 5.1-10% More then 20%

18%

Up to 3%

Podgorica 6%

10% 12% 16% 19% 37%

8%

27% 26%

Coast

18%

9%

13%

10.1-20%

13%

West

10%

East

M=5.7% 22%

6%

30%

32% 27%

14%

3% 3%

M=12.5%

17%

Region

5.1-10%

Do not know/Refuse

M=11.3%

16%

3.1-5%

More then 20%

3.1-5% 10.1-20% Do not know/Refuse

9% 7%

17% 17%

M=10.1% 41%

• Majority of the citizens (40%) think that in population of children up to 18 years less than 10% are children with disabilities. 12% mention this percentage (which is considered as the best estimation for each population). 19% think that this percentage is higher. Almost one third of the citizens do not have a clear perception of number of children with disabilities. •Provide the most accurate assessment of residents of the eastern regions, while this percentage is largely underestimated those from the west.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

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Base: Total target population

17

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ATTITUDE TOWARDS CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Inclusion of children with disabilities

18

I will now read you some of the existing categories of children with disabilities He lives in the same settlement / street with your child

Goes to the same school / kindergarten / nursery school with your child?

Goes to the same department / group with your child

Socializes / plays with your child

Best friend with your child

In the older age in emotional relationship with your child

In the adult age marries with your child

Refuses to answer

Child with severe defect of vision Blind child Child with severe hearing impairments Deaf child Child with physical disabilities, such as permanent deformation, or lack of a body part Child has difficulties to move or are completely bedridden Child suffers from some chronic disease which is not communicable, such as asthma, heart defect, hemophilia, leukemia and other Child suffers from some chronic diseases that is communicable, such as AIDS, hepatitis and other Intellectual deficiencies and impairments, such as low intelligence, autism, serious attention disorders, persistent difficulties in learning, and the like Child with severe emotional disorders, such as childhood neurosis, psychosis, emotional changes caused by neurological damage Child with severe disorders of socialization, such as hyperactive, aggressive or other socially unacceptable behavior Child with speech disorders

N

Multiple answer; Base: Total target population

1014 1014 1014 1014

75.7 77.8 73.3 75.0

56.6 48.6 55.1 45.6

51.2 43.9 47.1 39.9

48.1 40.9 45.2 38.9

34.7 29.2 30.0 25.8

08.8 03.0 05.8 02.8

07.1 01.6 04.0 01.7

02.2 04.1 03.5 05.8

1014

79.1

42.7

34.9

33.1

23.3

02.5

01.3

05.8

1014

75.5

42.6

35.3

34.3

24.6

02.0

00.9

05.6

1014

73.1

48.8

41.2

35.7

27.7

03.1

02.0

03.4

1014

70.3

21.3

12.9

11.9

07.8

00.3

00.1

19.6

1014

73.4

36.6

27.6

22.7

13.9

01.1

00.7

08.1

1014

67.9

29.1

19.0

13.0

08.3

00.7

00.1

15.9

1014

71.1

30.3

20.2

14.8

09.3

01.5

00.3

11.1

1014

74.8

48.9

40.9

38.6

28.2

05.4

05.1

02.2

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•Observed in general, citizens of Montenegro express a big social distance towards children with disabilities. On the average, total degree of social closeness towards this group is 34.5%, but it is not the same towards all categories of children with disabilities.

•Social distance is even more pronounced among citizens who are less informed about children with disabilities, and among those who do not know such children. Bigger social distance is expressed by citizens with the lowest education, those with the lowest income, and citizens from coastal and eastern regions.

•Citizens who are the best informed about children with disabilities and who have personal experience with such children express smaller social distance towards these children. The same holds true for highly educated citizens, citizens from the capital and western part of the country, as well as the oldest citizens (above 65 years of age).

Inclusion of children with disabilities

19

Social distance towards different categories of DSR - acceptance Multiple answer; Base: Total target population Child with severe defect of vision

85

75 70

75,5 73,4 73,3

74,8 79,1 75,7 77,8 7573,1

Blind child Child with severe hearing impairments

71,1 70,3 67,9

65

Deaf child

60 55 50 45 40 35 30

56,6 55,1 48,9 48,8 48,6 46 42,6

42,7

Child with physical disabilities, such as permanent deformation, or lack of a body part 51,2 47,1 43,9 41,2 40,9 40

36,6 34,9 35,3 30,3 29,1

Dijete koje se otežano kreću ili su sasvim nepokretna 48,1 45,2 40,9 39 38,6 35,7 33,1 34,3

27,6

25 20

21,3

15

22,7 20,2 19 12,9

10

14,8 13 11,9

5 0 1 - He lives in the 2 - Goes to the same 3 - Goes to the same same settlement / school / kindergarten / department / group street with your child nursery school with with your child your child?

Inclusion of children with disabilities

4 - Socializes / plays with your child

Dijete koje boluje od hroničnih oboljenja koja se ne prenose, kao što su astma, srčane mane, hemofilija, leukemija i druga Dijete koje boluje od hroničnih bolesti koje se prenose, kao što su SIDA, Hepatitis i druga 34,7 Intelektualni nedostaci i oštećenja, kao što su niska inteligencija, 30 autizam,29,2 teži poremećaji pažnje, trajne poteškoće u učenju i sl.

28,2 27,7 26 Dijete sa težim emocionalnim poremećajima, kao što su dječje 24,6 neuroze, psihoze, emocionalne promjene nastale neurološkim 23,3 oštećenjima Dijete sa težim poremećajima socijalizacije, kao što su hiperaktivno, agresivno ili neko drugo socijalno neprihvatljivo 13,9 ponašanje Dijete sa poremećajima govora 9,3 8,8 8,3 7,1 7,8 5,8 5,4 5,1 4 3 3,0 3,1 2,5 2 1,1 2 1,3 21,5 0,7 1,6 0,7 0,1 0,9 0,3 0,1 0,3 5 - Best friend with 6 - In the older age in 7 - In the adult age your child emotional marries with your relationship with your child child

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80

20

Social distance towards different categories of DSR - refuse Multiple answer; Base: Total target population 100 95 90 87,1

85 80

78,7

81 79,8

75 70,9 69,7

70 65

63,4

60

57,4 57,3

55

54,4 51,4 51,2 51,1

50

44,9

45

25 20

72,4 64,7 65,1 60,1 58,8 59,1 56,1 52,9

65,7 66,9 64,3 61,4 61,1 59,1 54,8 51,9

48,8

86,1 76,7 75,4 74,2 72,3 71,8 70,8 70 65,3

Child with severe defect of vision Blind child Child with severe hearing impairments

32,1 28,9 29,7 26,6

Deaf child

25,2 25,0 26,7

Child with physical disabilities, such as permanent deformation, or lack of a body part

26,9 22,2 24,3 24,520,9

Child has difficulties to move or are completely bedridden

15 10 5 0 1 - He lives in the 2 - Goes to the same 3 - Goes to the same same settlement / school / kindergarten / department / group street with your child nursery school with with your child your child?

Inclusion of children with disabilities

4 - Socializes / plays with your child

Child suffers from some chronic disease which is not communicable, such as asthma, heart defect, hemophilia, leukemia and other Child suffers from some chronic diseases that is communicable, such AIDS, other 5 - Best friend with 6 - In the as older agehepatitis in 7 - and In the adult age your child emotional marries with your Intelektualni nedostaci i oštećenja relationship with your child child Dete sa težim emocionalnim poremećajima 21 s os pI 9002 ©

30

77,3

99,9 99,9 99,1 99,7 99,3 98,7 98,4 98,3 96 98 94,9 92,9

43,4

40 35

88,1 87 85,2

92,2 91,7 90,7

99,7 99,3 98,5 98 98,9 97,5 97,0 96,9 97,2 94,6 94,2 91,2

3 1,6

Inclusion of children with disabilities 25,8

5,8 4 2,8 1,7 34,9 33,1

42,6 35,3 34,3

23,3 24,6

2,5 1,3 2 0,9 3,1 2

41,2 35,7

27,7 21,3

12,9 11,9 7,8 0,3 0,1

27,6 22,7

13,9

1,1 0,7

67,9

29,1 30,3

19 13,0 8,3 0,7 0,1 20,2 14,8 9,3 1,5 0,3 Child with speech disorders

73,4

Child with severe disorders of socialization, such as hyperactive, aggressive or other socially unacceptable behavior

70,3 71,1

48,8 36,6

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30 42,7

73,1

Child with severe emotional disorders, such as childhood neurosis, psychosis, emotional changes caused by neurological damage

29,2 45,6 39,9 38,9

75,5

Intellectual deficiencies and impairments, such as low intelligence, autism, serious attention disorders, persistent difficulties in learning, and the like.

8,8 7,1 47,1 45,2

79,1

Child suffers from some chronic diseases that is communicable, such as AIDS, hepatitis and other

34,7 48,6 43,9 40,9 75,0

Child suffers from some chronic disease which is not communicable, such as asthma, heart defect, hemophilia, leukemia and other

Multiple answer; Base: Total target population

Child has difficulties to move or are completely bedridden

56,6 51,2 48,1 73,3

Child with physical disabilities, such as permanent deformation, or lack of a body part

77,8

Deaf child

75,7

Child with severe hearing impairments

85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Blind child

Child with severe defect of vision

Social distance towards different categories of DSR - acceptance 1 - He lives in the same settlement / street with your child 2 - Goes to the same school / kindergarten / nursery school with your child?

3 - Goes to the same department / group with your child 4 - Socializes / plays with your child 5 - Best friend with your child 6 - In the older age in emotional relationship with your child 7 - In the adult age marries with your child

74,8

55,1

48,9

40,9 38,6

28,2

5,4 5,1

22

Inclusion of children with disabilities 75,4

61,1 60,1 54,4 66,9 65,1 57,3 65,7 64,7 57,4

72,3 64,3 58,8 51,2

24,5 26,9

20,9 29,7

86,1 77,3 72,4 63,4

26,6

99,9 99,3 91,7 87,0 81 99,7 98,5 90,7 85,2 79,8

70,9 69,7

32,1 28,9

s os pI 9002 Š

25,0

76,7

99,3 98,9

Child with speech disorders

22,2 26,7 74,2

99,9 99,7 92,2 88,1 87,1 78,7

Child with severe disorders of socialization, such as hyperactive, aggressive or other socially unacceptable behavior

24,3 54,8 52,9 44,9

98 96,9

Child with severe emotional disorders, such as childhood neurosis, psychosis, emotional changes caused by neurological damage

59,1 56,1 51,4 99,1 98

Intellectual deficiencies and impairments, such as low intelligence, autism, serious attention disorders, persistent difficulties in learning, and the like.

51,9 48,8 43,4 70

98,7 97,5

Child suffers from some chronic diseases that is communicable, such as AIDS, hepatitis and other

70,8 98,3 97,2

Child suffers from some chronic disease which is not communicable, such as asthma, heart defect, hemophilia, leukemia and other

Multiple answer; Base: Total target population

Child has difficulties to move or are completely bedridden

65,3 96 94,2

Child with physical disabilities, such as permanent deformation, or lack of a body part

98,4 97

Deaf child

92,9 91,2

Child with severe hearing impairments

105 100 95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Blind child

Child with severe defect of vision

Social distance towards different categories of DSR - refuse 1 - He lives in the same settlement / street with your child 2 - Goes to the same school / kindergarten / nursery school with your child?

3 - Goes to the same department / group with your child 4 - Socializes / plays with your child 5 - Best friend with your child 6 - In the older age in emotional relationship with your child 7 - In the adult age marries with your child

94,9 94,6

71,8

61,4 59,1 51,1

25,2

23

Social closeness to different categories of children with disabilities

C h ild s u ffe rs fro m s o m e c h ro n ic d is e a s e s th a t is c o m m u n ic a b le , s u c h a s A ID S , h e p a titis a n d o th e r C h ild w ith s e v e re e m o tio n a l d is o rd e rs , s u c h a s c h ild h o o d n e u ro s is , p s y c h o s is , e m o tio n a l c h a n g e s C h ild w ith s e v e re d is o rd e rs o f s o c ia liz a tio n , s u c h a s h y p e ra c tiv e , a g g re s s iv e o r o th e r s o c ia lly u n a c c e p ta b le In te lle c tu a l d e fic ie n c ie s a n d im p a irm e n ts , s u c h a s lo w in te llig e n c e , a u tis m , s e rio u s a tte n tio n d is o rd e rs ,

1 ,9 2 ,0 2 ,1 2 ,3

C h ild h a s d iffic u ltie s to m o v e o r a re c o m p le te ly b e d rid d e n

2 ,5

C h ild w ith p h y s ic a l d is a b ilitie s , s u c h a s p e rm a n e n t d e fo rm a tio n , o r la c k o f a b o d y p a rt

2 ,5

C h ild s u ffe rs fro m s o m e c h ro n ic d is e a s e w h ic h is n o t c o m m u n ic a b le , s u c h a s a s th m a , h e a rt d e fe c t,

2 ,6

D e a f c h ild

2 ,6

B lin d c h ild

2 ,6

C h ild w ith s p e e c h d is o rd e rs C h ild w ith s e v e re h e a rin g im p a irm e n ts C h ild w ith s e v e re d e fe c t o f v is io n

Inclusion of children with disabilities

2 ,7 2 ,8 2 ,9

•Social distance towards different groups of children with disabilities differs depending on type of disability.

•Citizens have the biggest social distance towards children who suffer from transmittable chronic diseases (AIDS, hepatitis etc.), then towards children with severe emotional disorders (neuroses, psychoses, etc) as well as towards the children with severe disorder of socialization (socially unacceptable behavior).

•On the other hand, the citizens have the smallest social distance towards children with severe vision and hearing disabilities, as well as children with speech disorders.

•When we observe individual relationships, for majority of the citizens (72% on the average) it is acceptable that child with disability lives in the same street with their child. However, the next degree of closeness is significantly less acceptable – only 42% accept that such child goes to the same school as their child, and somewhat above 2/3 find it unacceptable that such child goes to the same class with their child.

• Just one out of five citizens wouldn't mind the child with disabilities to be the best friend of their child, while just between 2% and 3% would accept current or future emotional relationship between such child and their child.

s os pI 9002 ©

Multiple answer; Base: Total target population

24

The relationship of society towards children with disabilities Base: Total target population

The state and society should do everything in their power to ensure equal opportunities and chances for children with disabilities, regardless of the costs.

agrees (4+5)

4%

Children with disabilities are equally valuable members of society, as well as all other citizens.

92%

11%

Regardless of the pain and the effort that they and their families make, children with disabilities can not be fully fit in society, the way in which other children do.

The state and society are not able to significantly help children with disabilities, no matter how much they try and how much money they invest.

disagrees (1+2)

74%

17%

47%

65%

36%

s os pI 9002 ©

• Majority of the citizens (74%) think that children with disabilities are equally valuable members of society as all other citizens.

•However, we shouldn't neglect the fact that one out of ten citizens has the opposite attitude (particularly in light of the clear social undesirability of this answer).

•Great majority of the citizens (92%) think that The state and society should do everything in their power to ensure equal opportunities and chances for children with disabilities.

•However, citizens believe to a significantly smaller extent that such help from state and society can help (47%). Going in the same lines is also the fact that, as much as 65% of the citizens think that, regardless of the pain and the effort that they and their families make, children with disabilities can not be fully fit in society, the way in which other children do.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

25

Which of the following two statements is closer to your views?

Child w ith disabilities sh o uld prim arily be adapted to life in so c ie ty, w ith th e help of fam ily and th e en v iro n m e n t

24%

74% 44%

C oa st W est

17%

83% 35%

E ast Urban

75% 34%

65%

24%

Yes

75% 35%

No

32%

I do not know nothing or little Information

63%

23%

Rural

26%

They know som ething They know a lot or very m uch

56%

15%

65% 67% 73% 84%

•Majority of the citizens (71%) think that society and the environment in which the child lives should primarily be adapted to the child with disabilities, accepting all their specificities, while 28% think the opposite –that the child should be adapted to environment.

•Belief that the child with disabilities must adapt to environment is more pronounced among the citizens who do not have personal experience with children with disabilities, as well as among citizens from rural areas and eastern parts of the country.

•Citizens who are well informed about children with disabilities think in lesser percentage that these children should adapt to environment.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

s os pI 9002 ©

Podgorica Region

Society and the environment in which the child lives should primarily be adapted to the child with disabilities, accepting all their specificities 71%

Society and th e en v iro n m e n t in w h ic h th e child lives sh o uld prim arily be adapted to th e child w ith disabilities, accepting all th eir specificities

Type

Refuses to answer 1%

Child with disabilities should primarily be adapted to life in society, with the help of family and the environment 28%

Know DSR

Base: Total target population

26

To what extent is it possible that a child with disabilities join the crowd?

Base: Total target population

By providing professional assistance and through special relation of society and institutions, it is possible to FULLY enable a child with disabilities for life in society

15%

By providing professional assistance and through special relation of society and institutions, it is possible to SOMEWHAT enable a child with disabilities for life in society

Refuses to answer

5%

1%

•80% of the citizens think that By providing professional assistance and through special relation of society and institutions, it is possible to SOMEWHAT enable a child with disabilities for life in society. Namely, the citizens are just moderately optimistic about the possibility of inclusion of these children. Just 15% think that complete inclusion is possible.

•5% think that regardless of professional assistance and special relationship of state and society, it is not possible TO MAKE ANY SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS in enabling the children with disabilities for life in society.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

s os pI 9002 ©

Regardless of professional assistance and special relationship of state and society, it is not possible TO MAKE ANY SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS in enabling the children with disabilities for life in society.

80%

27

To what extent is it possible that a child with disabilities join the crowd?

SOMEWHAT

18-29 Gender

30-39 40-49 50-64

20 15 10

75 78

4 6

87

15

2

81

3

65+

12

79

9

Podgorica

13

79

8

Region

Coast West East Yes

Know DSR Information

TO MAKE ANY SIGNIFICANT

17 11

78

5

87 22

16

1

72 80

4 3

No

13

I do not know anything

13

82

5

They know something

14

81

4

Know much

79

24

7

70

5

•Citizens who know a lot about these children are also more optimistic regarding the possibility of inclusion, while those who do not have personal experience with them are more skeptical.

•In addition to this, more optimistic in their conviction are the young (18 - 29 y.o), citizens with the lowest income, those from rural areas and east of the country.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

s os pI 9002 ©

FULLY

28

Using the following pairs of attributes, try to describe the TYPICAL CHILD in Montenegro Sum (1+2+3)

Sum (5+6+7) 9%

1 - Insecure / 7 - Self-confident

81%

1 - Sad / 7 - Cheerful

6%

78%

1 - Estranged from other children / 7 - Open to other children

8%

78%

1 - Fearful / 7 - Brave

9%

76%

7%

1 - Weak character / 7 - Strong character

76%

1 - Pessimistic / 7 - Optimistic

10%

73%

1 - Deprived of his/her rights / 7 - Equal

11%

71%

1 - Equal opportunities as other children / 7 - Unequal possibilities 1 - Depending on others / 7 - Independent 1 - Uncertain future / 7 - Safe future

Inclusion of children with disabilities

13% 26% 23%

70% 61% 56%

s os pI 9002 Š

Base: Total target population

29

Using the following pairs of attributes, try to describe THE TYPICAL CHILD WITH DISABILITIES in Montenegro Base: Total target population

1 - Fearful / 7 - Brave

Suma (5+6+7)

56%

1 - Weak character / 7 - Strong character

24%

51%

22%

53%

1 - Pessimistic / 7 - Optimistic

21%

1 - Deprived of his/her rights / 7 - Equal

65%

16%

1 - Sad / 7 - Cheerful

66%

15%

1 - Estranged from other children / 7 - Open to other children 1 - Equal opportunities as other children / 7 - Unequal possibilities 1 - Depending on others / 7 - Independent 1 - Uncertain future / 7 - Safe future 1 - Insecure / 7 - Self-confident

Inclusion of children with disabilities

70% 75% 85% 74% 84%

14% 8% 6% 6% 5%

s os pI 9002 Š

Suma (1+2+3)

30

Comparison of a typical child and a child with special needs in average scores Average values ; Base: Total target population Tipical child 1 - Insecure / 7 - Self-confident

A child with special needs

7

5,8 1 - Weak character / 7 - Strong character

1 - Depending on others / 7 - Independent

6

5,6

5

4,9 4

1 - Fearful / 7 - Brave

3

3,3

5,5

2 5,7

2

3,2

1,8

1 - Estranged from other children / 7 - Open to other children

1

2,5 0

2,3

3,3 5,5

2,3

1 - Pessimistic / 7 - Optimistic

5,4

2,7

1 - Equal opportunities as other children / 7 Unequal possibilities

2,9 4,8

1 - Insecure / 7 - Self-confident

5,5

5,9

1 - Sad / 7 - Cheerful

1 - Deprived of his/her rights / 7 - Equal

s os pI 9002 ©

Child with disability is perceived as completely different than typical child in Montenegro: • Typical child in Montenegro is described as cheerful, optimistic, self-confident, independent, equal, with equal opportunities as other children, brave, open to other children and with strong character.

• In contrast to this a child with disability is described as sad, pessimistic, insecure, depending on others deprived of his/her rights, with unequal possibilities, fearful, estranged from other children and with weak character (all differences are statistically significant).

•Characteristic according to which these two groups of children are perceived as most different is self-confidence.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

31

s os pI 9002 ©

EDUCATION OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Inclusion of children with disabilities

32

How should educational access of children with disabilities?

Base: Total target population

They should g o to the spe cia l educational institutions, in w hich curriculum and acce ss w ould b e adjusted to them

44 %

They should g o to regular schools, but should g o to a separate , spe cia l classes w here the teaching app roa ch w ould b e adjusted to their needs They should g o to regular schools, but only to attend som e classes w ith other children, w hile other classes they w ould have separately, w ith specially trained teachers

16 %

They should g o to regular schools and attend regular classes w ith other children, to be treated in the sam e w ay a s other children, w ithout adap ta tio n of the curriculum to their needs

4%

They should g o to regular schools and attend regular classes w ith other children, but their curriculum and m ethods o f teaching should be adjusted (teachers should b e trained to provide in the additiona l help)

R efusal to answ er

Inclusion of children with disabilities

8%

0%

Majority of the citizens do not show full understanding for the concept of inclusive education: while 44% think that such children should go to the special educational institutions, in which curriculum and access would be adjusted to them, while 27% of the citizens think that they should go to regular schools, but should go to a separate, special classes where the teaching approach would be adjusted to their needs. 16% of citizens think that the most acceptable is some kind of partial inclusion – they think that these children should attend only some classes together with other children, while they would have other classes separately. Only 12% of citizens support inclusive education of children with disabilities. Out of this number, 8% think that curriculum and methods should be adapted to them, while 4% think that there is no need for any adapting. Inclusive education is more supported by those who are best informed about children with disabilities. On the contrary, it is particularly unacceptable to older citizens (over 65 years of age), as well as population of eastern parts of the country.

s os pI 9002 ©

27%

33

Adaptation of educational systems and methods of educational institutions needs DSR Base: Total target population

Not adjusted at all

21%

18-29 Gender

Partly adjusted

And they are and are not adjusted

41%

30-39 40-49

Sum -

50-64

61%

65+ Both yes and no

6%

Podgorica Region

Sum +

27%

West

6%

East Information

Mainly adjusted

I do not know nothing or little Fully adjusted

Do not know

0%

5%

They know something

They know a lot or very much

65%

26%

6%

63%

26%

7% 9%

62%

24%

61%

26%

5%

35%

4%

52% 67%

21%

4%

Coast

Sum +

41% 47%

13% 5% 7% 6%

60%

26%

68%

21% 35%

6% 9%

68%

23%

23%

53% 67%

•Almost two thirds of citizens (61%) think that educational system and way of work in educational institutions are not adjusted to children with disabilities – average grade is 2.2 (on the scale from 1 to 5). Only 6% think that they are mainly adjusted, while others are indecisive.

•The eldest citizens, as well as residents of coastal area, evaluate this adjustment of school somewhat more positively, while it is evaluated more negatively by residents of the capital and of the western areas, as well as those least informed about these children.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

s os pI 9002 ©

Sum -

34

Attitude towards inclusive education Base: Total target population

Disagrees

7%

74%

Inclusion of children with disabilities in regular schools would contribute to better understanding of these children by their peers.

12%

66%

Even when children with disabilities go through their education, they have less chances to get a job than the other citizens of the same level of education.

11%

64%

It's good that children with disabilities attend regular schools, because in this way, social skills and tolerance of other children are developed

18%

If children with disabilities attend classes in regular schools, it has positive influence on their development.

18%

For the development of the children with disabilities it is much better to attend a specialized institution for education, than to go to regular schools.

If children with disabilities attend classes in regular schools, this results in the fact that teachers pay too much attention to them, and other children are deprived a little bit.

Montenegro currently has a lot of more important problems and many more important issues than the adjustment of the regular school to the needs of children with disabilities, creating new educational programs and training teachers to work with these child

Inclusion of children with disabilities

59%

57%

24%

50%

23%

63%

41%

17%

s os pI 9002 Š

Schools in Montenegro are not built to be accessible to children with disabilities, and architectural adaptation of institutions to the needs of these children should be one of the most important tasks of the state and society.

Agrees

35

Attitude towards inclusive education

Architectural custom troubleshoot institutions

3,9

Fewer opportunities for employment

3,7

Better understanding of peer

3,6

Positive impact on the development of other children

3,6

Positive impact on the development of DSR

3,5

The advantage of specialized institutions

3,4

Teachers them entirely incurred too much attention

3,2

Majority of citizens (63%) think that education of children with disabilities is an important social issue that needs to be addressed.

74% think that architectural adaptation of institutions to the needs of these children should be one of the most important tasks of the state. Majority of citizens also believe that inclusion would have positive effects: it would contribute to better understanding of children with disabilities by their peers (66%), it would influence their development positively (57%), and it would also have positive effects on development of social skills and tolerance of other children (59%). Opposite to such attitudes, every second citizen still thinks that it is better for children with disabilities to attend specialized institutions than regular school. Almost two thirds of citizens think that, even besides adequate education, these children have less chance of getting a job than other citizens with the same level of education do. Another 41% of citizens fear that inclusion would produce negative effects on other pupils – teachers would have less time to dedicate to them. We may conclude that citizens have positive attitude towards inclusion (probably under the influence of social desirability of answers), but that they are still not convinced that inclusion is in the best interest of the very children with disabilities, as well as of other children. s os pI 9002 ©

2,4

Inclusion of children with disabilities

36

Attitude towards inclusive education

3

F e m a le

4

18-2 9

3

Education

30-3 9

Type

3,6

3,5 3,7

3

40-4 9

3,5 4

50-6 4

3,5 4

65+

3

4

H ig h e r an d hig h

3,6 3,6

3

U rba n

3

3,6

•Observed in general, more positive view of inclusion is present among young adults (30-39 years of age), among residents of urban areas and particularly the capital city. The opposite stands for the least educated, residents of rural and eastern parts of the country. •Inclusion is well rated by persons who are well informed about children with disabilities, while the least informed grade it a lot worse. Persons who have personal experience with children with disability are more aware of positive effects of inclusion for these and other children as well.

3,4 4

R ura l

3,4 4

I d o n o t kno w nothin g o r little They know so m e th in g

They kno w a lo t o r very m u c h

3,5 3,5 4

P rim ary an d lo w e r S econdary

Information

3,5

3 3

3,6 3,8

It's g o o d that childre n w ith disa b ilitie s attend reg ula r sc h o o ls , b e c a u s e in this w ay, so cia l skills an d tolerance o f other childre n are developed For the develop m en t of the childre n w ith disab ilitie s it is m u c h better to attend a specialize d institution for education, than to g o to reg ula r sc h o o ls .

Inclusion of children with disabilities

s os pI 9002 Š

Gender

M ale

37

s os pI 9002 ©

FAMILY AND CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Inclusion of children with disabilities

38

The perception of families with children living with disabilities Base: Total target population

Agrees

Families of children with disabilities can not be expected to overcome all the challenges alone, they must be supported by the wider society.

6%

Other children, who are growing up in families with children with disabilities, learn to be more attentive and more tolerant.

5%

Parents who are raising children with disabilities, usually have to dedicate their life to them completely.

6%

77%

I feel sorry for families with a child with disabilities, because they are victims of unfortunate circumstances.

7%

76%

Parents of children with disabilities often take too patronizing attitude towards their child, which leads to isolation of that child from other children.

In families where a child with disabilities is growing up, other children are usually neglected.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

80%

12%

If a child with disabilities is left without parental care, it is better to put it in a sustainer family than in a home.

For children with disabilities it is better to stay in special institutions, than to live in their families, because these institutions have experts who are specially trained to work with them

84%

18%

29%

22%

62%

51%

46%

43%

s os pI 9002 Š

Disagrees

39

The perception of families with children living with disabilities Families of children with disabilities can not be expected to overcome all the challenges alone, they must be supported by the wider society.

4,1

4,0

Other children, who are growing up in families with children with disabilities, learn to be more attentive and more tolerant.

3,9

Parents who are raising children with disabilities, usually have to dedicate their life to them completely.

3,9

Parents of children with disabilities often take too patronizing attitude towards their child, which leads to isolation of that child from other If a child with disabilities is left without parental care, it is better to put it in a sustainer family than in a home.

3,7

3,5

For children with disabilities it is better to stay in special institutions, than to live in their families, because these institutions have experts who are

3,3

In families where a child with disabilities is growing up, other children are usually neglected.

3,3

Inclusion of children with disabilities

•Families of children with disabilities evoke, as well as children themselves, pity of general population - great majority of citizens (74%) consider them victims of accident.

Majority (84%) also thinks that families with children with disabilities need support of wide society.

•If we ask about perception of these families in detail, we see that respondents (77%) think that parents of these children usually have to dedicate their life to them fully.

62% think that parents often take too patronizing attitude towards their child, which leads to isolation of the child.  As for perception of the position of other children in these families, 43% of citizens think that other children are usually neglected in them. However, 80% think that children from these families learn to be more attentive and more tolerant. Opinion about whether it is better for children with disabilities to live in specialized institutions or in their own family are divided – institutionalization is supported by almost half of citizens (46%), 29% are against, while others are indecisive.

•Similarly, half of citizens think that if a child is left without parental care, it is better to put it in a sustainer family than in a home, while the other half disagrees or is indecisive.

s os pI 9002 ©

I feel sorry for families with a child with disabilities, because they are victims of unfortunate circumstances.

40

The perception of families with children living with disabilities

3,4 4,2 3,3

Secondary Higher and high

4,1 3,0 4,1 3,5

Income

Do 100 101 - 200 More then 200

Type

Refuses to answer Urban

4,1 3,2 4,1 3,2 4,2 3,2 4,2 3,1 4,1 3,4

Information

Rural

4,1 3,4

I do not know nothing or little They know something

They know a lot or very much

4,1 3,2 4,1 3,0 4,3

For children with disabilities it is better to stay in special institutions, than to live in their families, because these institutions have experts who are specially trained to work with them Families of children with disabilities can not be expected to overcome all the challenges alone, they m u st be supported by the wider society.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

•Larger number of persons who is better informed about children with disabilities thinks that family is the best place for growing up, and they are even more aware of the need of these families for broader support of the society.

•Belief that it would be better for children with disabilities to grow up in specialized institutions is more widespread among persons who are not informed about these children, as well as among the least educated, population of rural areas and those with the lowest income.

s os pI 9002 ©

Education

Primary and lower

41

Whether the state should financially assist families of children with disabilities?

Base: Total target population

No 1%

Refuses to answer 2%

Yes 97%

s os pI 9002 Š

Almost all citizens (97%) think that the state should provide financial support for families of children with disabilities.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

42

s os pI 9002 ©

INCLUSION OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN THE SOCIETY

Inclusion of children with disabilities

43

Rating conditions for normal life and development of children with disabilities in Montenegro Base: Total target population

Sum Primary and lower Education

12%

32%

2

Secondary Higher and high

Sum -

36%

52%

12% 42%

10%

45%

Coast Region

3

Sum +

10%

9%

4

Type

8% Urban

47% 45%

9% 34%

14%

48%

38%

45% 46%

9%

42%

8%

2% Rural

57%

9%

West

East

48%

47% 43%

45% Podgorica

Conditions are fulfilled fully

Sum +

50%

36% 13%

• Great majority of citizens think that living conditions for children with disabilities are bad in Montenegro (45%) or medium (45%) – average grade for the living conditions that this country provides to these children is 2.6 (the scale from 1 to 5).

• Persons with the lowest level of education, residents of rural and coastal area evaluate these conditions as somewhat better.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

51%

s os pI 9002 ©

Conditions do not exist at all

3

44

Respect the rights of children in Montenegro Base: Total target population

How to respect the rights of children in Montenegro?

Not respected at all

9%

Mainly not respected

24%

Sum -

33%

40%

Both yes and no

27%

Sum +

24%

Mainly respected Completely respected

Are the rights of children with disabilities follow the same, more or less rights than other children?

4%

The rights of children with disabilities are respected to a lesser extent than the rights of other children are 40%

The rights of children with disabilities are respected to a greater extent than the rights of other children are 10%

The rights of children with disabilities are respected equally as the rights of other children are 50%

s os pI 9002 ©

Only 27% of citizens think that children’s rights are mainly respected in Montenegro – citizens mainly believe that these rights are partially respected (average grade 2.9). The eldest citizens, as well as population of coastal and western areas are somewhat more convinced that these rights are respected. Opinions about respecting the rights of children with disabilities relative to other children are divided – while half of citizens think that their rights are respected equally as the rights of other children, 40% think that they are respected to a lesser extent. It is interesting that the remaining 10% (every tenth citizen of Montenegro) think that the rights of children with disabilities are respected more than the rights of other children. They think that these children get more assistance and care than other children do, exactly because of difficulties they are faced with.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

45

Why do you think that the rights of children with disabilities comply with less / more than the rights of other children?

What do you see?

Multiple responses, Base: those who believe that the rights of DSR respected to a greater or lesser extent than the rights of other children (49% of the target population)

10%

Around them neglected / rejected 8%

Because of their illness / lack of Indifference of society / state

8%

Lack of care, lack of support

8%

The overall situation, the relationship between society, state

6%

Not all the conditions, opportunities for life

4%

Adapted system of education

4%

Discrimination / consider them less valuable

3%

Because of prejudice

3%

The bad regulations / laws violations

3%

Lack of appropriate institutions

2%

Otherwise they need

2%

Such children are given more attention / help

2%

Unequal opportunities

2%

Inclusion of children with disabilities

The most commonly quoted reasons for the belief that the rights of these children are respected less are being neglected by the surrounding, indifference of the wider society and the state, lack of care and assistance, not adapted education system, but also lack of understanding, prejudice and negative discrimination. • They think that these children get more assistance and care than other children do, exactly because of difficulties they are faced with.

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4%

Not all the conditions, opportunities for life

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The possibilities and opportunities for personal development potential of children with disabilities Multiple answers; Base: Respondents who believe that children with disabilities have the same possibilities and opportunities for the development of personal potential (67% of the target population)

Base: Total target population

Do children with disabilities have the same opportunities and chances for personal development potential as other children in Montenegro?

Why do you think that children with disabilities have the same advantages and opportunities as other children who live in Montenegro?

Because of their illness / lack of

Yes 33%

No 67%

22% 13%

Decrease / disability Not all conditions for living

6%

Environment rejects

6%

The overall situation, the relationship between society

6%

Unequal opportunities

5%

Give them a chance Discrimination

4% 3%

Lack of care, lack of support

2%

Because of prejudice

2%

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• Two thirds of citizens think that children with disabilities don’t have the same opportunities and chances for development of personal potential as other children do, while one third has opposite attitude.

• Citizens see a significant cause for this inequality in children themselves - their illness or disability (22%) or their limited abilities (13%).

•Citizens also recognize social elements of this inequality, but they mainly mention general statements such as “they don’t have all adequate living conditions” or “general situation, attitude of the society”. Concrete causes are recognized to a lesser extent: prejudice and negative discrimination, unadjusted institutions, insufficient financial investments, lack of awareness and understanding.

47 Inclusion of children with disabilities

Whether in Montenegro there is no law regulating and guaranteeing the rights of children with disabilities?

Base: Total target population

Are not familiar: 36%

18-29

Do not know 36%

30%

50-64

34%

65+

48%

Primary and lower

47%

Education

Yes 51%

No 13%

40-49

33%

Secondary Higher and high

Edocation in progress

Know DSR

Type

Urban

33% 26% 37% 31%

Rural Yes No

43% 32% 44%

• Half of citizens know that Montenegro has a law that regulates and guarantees the rights of children with disabilities. • The eldest citizens (over 65), as well as those with the lowest level of education and residents of rural areas are even less familiar with legislature. The same is valid for persons who are not in contact with children with disabilities.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

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Gender

30-39

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The main barriers to creating better living conditions and development of children with disabilities and their inclusion in social life in Montenegro Multiple answer; Base: Total target population

Lack of money at the local and / or state level

43%

The lack of enough well-trained professionals and institutions who deal with children with special needs

35%

Indifference to the problem of state

24%

Ignorance, lack of awareness of citizens about the problems of children with disabilities

24%

Prejudices of the citizens to children with special needs

23%

The lack of clear national / local strategies for improving the position of children with disabilities

22%

Indifference of society / citizen of the problem

19%

Inadequate law regulating the issue of children with disabilities

19%

The existence of major problems in the country that would be addressed first

1%

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Do not know

5%

• The main barriers for creating of better conditions for life and development of children with disabilities are “objective”: lack of money on local and/or state level (43%), as well as lack of trained professionals and institutions (35%).

• To a lesser extent, however, respondents recognize also indifference, insufficient knowledge (24%), as well as prejudice (23%) as important.

• It is interesting that the best educated citizens perceive lack of money as less important reason than indifference of the state.

• Indifference, prejudice and ignorance are recognized as significantly more important reasons among residents of the capital and in the coastal area, while situation is the opposite in the Eastern parts of the country.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

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The perception of government and social welfare programs and support to children with disabilities Base: Total target population

A lot less money than necessary

34%

Less money than necessary

57% 90%

Sum Just the right amount of money

6%

Sum +

1%

More money than necessary

1%

A lot more money than necessary

0% 2%

Nine out of ten citizens of Montenegro think that the society and the state give too little money for programs intended for children with disabilities.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

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Do not know

50

Perception of the responsibilities of relevant persons and institutions for improving the position of DSR and their integration into broader society Base: Total target population

Maximum or fully responsible

Parents and siblings of children with disabilities

5%

Health care system

7%

The system of social protection

Media Non-governmental organizations and civic associations Inclusion of children with disabilities

83%

9%

78%

8%

The education system and school institutions

The citizens of Montenegro, fellow? Ani, neighbors, etc..

84%

6%

The government of the republic (state) level

The authorities at the local level

85%

77%

14% 18% 14% 12%

65% 56% 53% 51%

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Minimal or no responsibility

51

Perception of the responsibilities of relevant persons and institutions for improving the position of DSR and their integration into broader society

The system of social protection

4,3

Parents and siblings of children with disabilities

4,3 4,2

Health care system The education system and school institutions

4,1

The government of the republic (state) level

3,7

The citizens of Montenegro citizens, neighbors, etc..

3,6

Media

3,6

Non-governmental organizations and civic associations

Inclusion of children with disabilities

• In the opinion of majority of citizens, the whole society and all its members are perceived as more or less responsible for children with disabilities. However, parents and relatives are expected most from (85%), as well as from healthcare and social protection systems (84, 83%). • The least responsible, on the other hand, are citizens themselves (56%), media (53%), as well as NGOs (51%).

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The authorities at the local level

4,0

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The best way to remedy the situation of children with disabilities in our society Base: Total target population

All children with disabilities should be put in special institutions, with specially trained staff and activities adjusted to their abilities.

40%

Only a minority of more difficult cases of children with disabilities should be put in special institutions, and the majority of children with disabilities should be included in all regular activities, along with other citizens.

30%

The wider society should, above all, become adapted to children with disabilities, in order for them to get included into everyday life the easiest possible w a y.

13%

All the children with disabilities should live together with other people (not in specialized institutions) and be, as much as they can, adapted to living in society.

12%

5%

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Do not know

• Observed in general, positive attitude towards institutional protection of children with disabilities, which is considered necessary at least in some cases, is still widespread among citizens of Montenegro.

• As the best way to help children with disabilities, 40% perceive providing care for them in special institutions. Another 30% think that these institutions should be reserved only for the most severe cases, while majority of these children should be included in all social activities.

• 12% of citizens think that all children with disabilities should be included in the society and adapted to it as much as they can. 13% of citizens think that broad society should and adapt to their specificities.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

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The best way to remedy the situation of children with disabilities in our society 36% All the DSR should be placed in institutions

19% 0% 0% 0% Because of technical assistance / support adequate

3% Only difficult cases should be placed in institutions

7%

So it's best for them

5% Should be accepted equally

5% 2%

Better integration into society It's easier for society to adapt

0% 4%

All DSR should live together with others

23% 25% 2%

0% The wider society needs to adapt

5% 12%

• Those who think that these children should be taken care of in special institutions explain this view with their belief that these children would be provided adequate and professional help there and that „it is best for them“.

• On the other hand, persons who prefer inclusion say that these children should be accepted as equal, and those who think that the society should be adjusted think that it is easier for the society to be changed.

• Inclusion and adapting of the society are supported more by persons who are informed best about children with disabilities, as well as by population of the capital city.

9%

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28%

Inclusion of children with disabilities

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Have you heard of the Convention of the United Nations (UN) on the Rights of the Child?

Base: Total target population

No 33%

Yes 67%

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Two thirds of citizens say that they have heard of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, somewhat more those who are best informed about children with disabilities and population of urban areas.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

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The perception of respect for the rights of children with disabilities is guaranteed by the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Montenegro Base: those who have heard of the Convention of the United Nations (UN) on the Rights of the Child (67% of the target population)

Sum -

They are both respected and not respected Sum +

Gender

They are not respected at all

22%

27%

Female

27%

Podgorica

44%

23%

Coast Region

24%

Sum +

Completely respected

21%

32%

Sum -

West

38% 41%

20%

36% 44%

4%

69%

27% 28% 27%

2% East

46%

26% 26%

44% 48%

• Among citizens who have heard of this Convention, only every fourth thinks that the rights that it guarantees are mainly respected in Montenegro. Average grade that these citizens give for balance between real situation in the country and the Convention is 2.8 (on the scale from 1 to 5).

• Women and population of coastal area evaluate this balance somewhat more positively, while it is the opposite with men, persons with the lowest income and residents of eastern areas.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

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Male

10%

56

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SUMMARY

Inclusion of children with disabilities

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Summary

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Children with disabilities rouse compassion of Montenegrin citizens, and they are associated with suffering, bad luck, helplessness.

Clearly visible physical characteristics (deformations, defects, problems with mobility) are the most important criterion according to which children with disabilities are categorized. In addition to children who lack part of the body or who have a physical impairment, citizens identify to the highest extent with this category the children with sensory or mental disabilities.

Majority of the citizens of Montenegro have personal experience with children with disabilities – more than two thirds of the citizens know some child with disabilities or parent of such child. Nine out of ten citizens have at least occasional contact with such children.

Despite that, the citizens are generally poorly informed about this topic, judging by their own assessment , but also judging by their estimation of the number of children with disabilities, awareness of modern technologies and legal regulations. The main source of information are media. For those who have contacts with children with disabilities the main source of information is personal experience.

Observed in general, it seems that two dimensions of citizens’ attitudes towards children with disabilities can be differentiated. On one hand, the citizens mainly express sympathies for these children and they think that everything possible should be done to help them. On the other hand, it seems that deep-rooted conviction is that such children are essentially different from other children, which is why, despite their own efforts and efforts of the society, they can never be completely integrated in society.

In support of such observation speaks a pronounced social distance towards children with disabilities – while majority of the citizens have nothing against such children living in their neighborhood, decisive majority still wouldn’t accept closer levels of relationship with them (friendship or emotional relationship).

Inclusion of children with disabilities

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Summary Just somewhat above one out of ten citizens support inclusive education of children with disabilities, while decisive majority of them think that it is in the best interest of such children to be educated in special institutions, or at least in special classes .

Citizens recognize the need that schools and educational system should be adapted to children with disabilities, as well as positive effects of including these children in regular school, but they still doubt final effects of inclusion, for both children with disabilities, and for other children.

Citizens empathize with families with children with disabilities, they show understanding for the challenges they are faced with and they think that they need support of broad society, including financial assistance.

However, almost every second citizen gives advantage to institutionalization of children with disabilities over raising these children in families (natural or sustainer).

Great majority of citizens think that living conditions for children with disabilities are bad in Montenegro.

They agree that rights of children are respected only partially, while opinion on whether rights of children with disabilities are respected more or less than rights of other children is not uniform.

Two thirds of citizens believe that children with disabilities don’t have equal possibilities for personal development as other children do, and they think that the key barrier is their own disability and not social factors.

As the main barriers for more extensive inclusion of children with disabilities in the society are perceived “objective factors”, primarily lack of means on local and state level, as well as lack of professionals.

Citizens have positive attitude towards allocation of more funds for this purpose.

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However, citizens recognize as significant obstacles also social factors such as lack of interest, lack of information, negative attitudes and prejudices.

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Summary

Protagonists most responsible for the welfare of children with disabilities are considered to be their parents and relatives. Relevant state institutions are healthcare and social protection institutions.

When we ask citizens about the best way to help children with disabilities, we once again hear widespread beliefs about impossibility of integration and positive attitudes towards institutionalization.

Largest number of citizens think that institutional care for all (40%) or at least some children (30%) is the best that can be done for them. Only one fourth of citizens think that all children with disabilities should be included in the society or that society should be adapted to them.

In general, personal experience with children with disabilities and more knowledge are in positive correlation with their more extensive acceptance and more positive attitude towards inclusion of these children. Also young, well educated and residents of urban areas share positive opinion about inclusion, while the least educated persons, those with the lowest income and residents of rural areas have opposite opinion.

The most important source of information for citizens of Montenegro is TV. Better educated citizens and residents of urban areas get informed also from newspapers, while Internet is an important source for young people.

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Citizens trust domestic media most, primarily TV stations and print. They also trust information received from their close ones - friends and relatives.

Inclusion of children with disabilities

60