Framework for a holistic intervention in support of children with colour vision deficiency

Abstract

In this article, we propose a framework for a holistic intervention in support of children with CVD, consisting of a resilience-enabling intervention for children and a parent guidance intervention for their parents. As background to the intervention we developed, we obtained baseline data on the experiences of children with CVD, specifically in terms of the challenges they face on a daily basis. We followed a mixed methods approach and implemented a collective case study design, being guided by Participatory Reflection and Action (PRA) principles. Qualitative data were generated both pre- and post-intervention through PRA-guided sessions and projective assessment measures with child-participants, semi-structured interviews with their parents, field notes and reflective journals. Quantitative data were collected both pre- and post-intervention using the Beck Youth Inventories 2nd Edition with the child-participants. Data were analysed through reflexive thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. Following the implementation of the intervention, the pre- and post-intervention datasets were compared. Our findings reveal that children with CVD face various challenges that adversely affect them on various levels of functioning yet that the holistic intervention we implemented empowered them to address some of these challenges and voice their needs to others, thereby accessing the support they are entitled to. The framework for a holistic intervention that we propose in this article offers both theoretical and practical implications for improving support initiatives with children with CVD. It can furthermore serve as a model for addressing similar needs of children who experience other special needs.