This work is dedicated to my parents, who taught me about work ethics, resilience, faith, humility, unselfishness, service and joy in life. Mom and dad, you have always supported me through thick and thin. You have always believed in me and carried me through difficult times. I hope that, through this work, I will have carried your values forward. iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCompleting this dissertation was one of the most difficult tasks I have ever accomplished. If the Lord Almighty had not strengthened me each time that I doubted myself and my ability to see this through, I would never have finished. I would also like to acknowledge the following role players:• My supervisor, Dr MM Sefotho: Thank you for having enough confidence in me to involve me in the project, sharing your knowledge and skills with me and mentoring me patiently, especially with regard to the development of my academic writing skills.• My disabled children, Marietjie and Mpho: The two of you gave me my passion for teaching children with disabilities and the will to make a difference in their lives. Thank you for waiting patiently for me when I had to hire caregivers and go to work elsewhere during the final phase of the study.• My other children, Moira-Marie, Magdi, Danie and Thinus: Thank you for your help and inspiration, for always cheering me on. Moira-Marie, for your help with the diagrams and structural issues, Danie and Thinus, for your thoughts with regard to the philosophical underpinnings, and Magdi, for taking me out for a coffee whenever I was exhausted and needed a break.• The other members of the project team: Thank you for your companionship during the school visits.• The teachers and other staff members at the schools: Thank you for being so friendly and allowing us into your classes and schools.• The interviewees: Thank you for receiving me in your homes and for sharing your thoughts and feelings so freely.• The principal and staff of Alma School, my workplace: Thank you for supervising my class when I had to go on study leave. I know that it was not always easy, as my learners have challenging disabilities.