Sources of information preferred by guardians of severely disabled children in Klang Valley Malaysia

Abstract

This paper extends the information needs, seeking behavior and information sources preferred by guardians of children with severe disabilities. The aims are to explore the information needs, seeking behavior and sources preferred by guardians of children with severe disabilities in Klang valley, Malaysia. The study focused on both personal lives and broader social contexts. Eight common information sources were identified. This paper concentrates on two information sources. Findings showed that guardians relied heavily on professional advice. Most guardians of children with severe disabilities referred to doctors and nurses as their sources of information. Traditional healers were also preferred as a second source of information. This study is useful for policy-makers and information service providers to adopt a more holistic approach to meet the needs of families of children with severe disabilities in Malaysian setting.

Keywords: guardians, children with severe disabilities, information needs, information behavior, information sources