Problems and Prospects of the Mentally Retarded Persons in Auchpara Union of Bagmara Thana in Rajshahi District

Abstract

This research is a complete study of all the living mentally retarded persons of all the villages of a union in Bangladesh. The name of the union is Auchpara of Bagmara Thana in Rajshahi District. Total population of the union is 24,201 persons . Out of this population only 117 were identified as mentally retarded persons. The prevalence rate is 0 . 48 percent . The researcher personally visited all these 117 mentally retarded persons and studied them. The major interest areas the researcher was to investigate their Health, Education, Employment, Housing and Social Security matters. Mainly observation and interview methods were followed. The researcher also used a questionnaire during case studies. The findings are shown in different tables of chapter II & Chapter III of this thesis. It was found that severe illness during infancy and babyhood periods of the subjects are most important post-natal factors of their present mentally retarded conditions. Among the pre- natal factors illnesses and faulty treatments of the pregnant Mothers are important factors. Prolonged labour pains followed by birth hazards in the absence of qualified midwives are most important peri-natal factors . It was found that poor medical facilities inside the Union are the main reason of many faulty treatments done to the subjects. Attitude, beliefs, habits and culture of the villagers towards heal th care behavior is slowly changing with the gradual development of infrastructure inside the Union. The parents possess positive attitude towards Special Education, but they do not receive any support either from the Government or NGOs . They also do not know how to teach their handicapped children at home by Portage Method or any other scientific method. What the handicapped children are learning are the contribution of the indigenous social system of rural Bangladesh . All the adult mild and moderate mentally retarded persons, both male and female, were found get jobs in agriculture sector . It was also found that the employers like them and possess positive attitude to engage them in easy works . If the mentally retarded persons can be given some vocational training it will increase their employment opportunities in other sectors, too. Though not up to the mark the housing and living condition of the mentally retarded persons were found of similar standard like other members of their families. The Social Security of the mentally retarded persons was found o f similar nature like all othe r places of the country . But if the Government gives them some monthly financial benefits it will be a great h e lp to the families and the handicapped persons wi l l also gain better social status.