Exploring Challenges in Special Education: A Qualitative Analysis from the Perspectives of Special Educators in Tamil Nadu, India.

INTRODUCTION

Special educators play a crucial role in supporting children with disabilities, yet social, institutional, and policy-related challenges shape their professional experiences. This study explored the lived experiences and perceived challenges of special educators in Tamil Nadu, India.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was conducted between April and June 2024 among 32 special educators working in government, private, and non-governmental organization settings in Tamil Nadu. Participants were recruited using purposive snowball sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in English or Tamil. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated where required, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis with Atlas.ti. Trustworthiness was enhanced through member checking, peer debriefing, reflexive note-taking, and maintenance of an audit trail.

RESULTS

Five major themes emerged: community and parental involvement, societal knowledge and acceptance, professional development needs, policy and administrative support, and lack of resources and support. Educators reported delayed parental recognition of disability, inconsistent parental cooperation, societal stigma, gaps in practical training, uneven administrative support, and limited teaching resources. The themes were interconnected, indicating that challenges in special education arise from the interaction of family, societal, institutional, and policy-level factors.

CONCLUSION

Special educators in Tamil Nadu face multidimensional challenges that extend beyond classroom teaching. Strengthening special education requires improved parental engagement, disability-sensitive community awareness, regular professional development, adequate resource allocation, and stronger implementation of supportive policies.