Building Sustainable Societies: The Role of Technology in Empowering Momtrepreneurs of Children with Special Needs

Zehra Altinay (), Emirali Evcimen, Gokmen Dagli and Ainur Kenebayeva
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Zehra Altinay: Societal Research and Development Center, Faculty of Education, Near East University, Nicosia 99138, Turkey
Emirali Evcimen: Famagusta Special Education School, Ministry of Education, Nicosia 99628, Turkey
Gokmen Dagli: Faculty of Education, University of Kyrenia, Kyrenia 99320, Turkey
Ainur Kenebayeva: Research Institute for Social & Gender Studies, Narxoz University, Almaty 050035, Kazakhstan

Societies, 2024, vol. 14, issue 11, 1-10

Abstract: This study investigates the technology usage patterns among mothers of children with special needs, focusing on their proficiency, frequency, and purposes of computer and internet use. The aim of this study is to reveal the level of technology use of mothers with disabled children and the difficulties they experience in this regard. In addition, this study is expected to reveal the level of knowledge that mothers have about both the use of technological devices and their applications and to guide projects and development programs to be carried out for mothers. Utilizing a qualitative research methodology, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 16 mothers whose children attend Famagusta Special Education and Job Training School. The findings reveal that while a significant portion of the participants are beginners or lack confidence in using computers, 87.5 percent of the respondents utilize the internet regularly, primarily for accessing information related to their children’s disabilities and for entertainment purposes. Despite some mothers having received formal training in computer usage, the majority indicated a need for further education to enhance their technological skills. This study underscores the necessity of tailored programs to support these mothers in effectively leveraging technology for their personal and familial needs, contributing to broader discussions on gender equality and empowerment within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Keywords: entrepreneurship; mothers with special needs children; technology usage; parental support; sustainable development goals (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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