The Role of Interpersonal Communication in The Family Environment of Persons With Disabilities: Case Study of Wajak Village, Malang Regency

Abstract

Interpersonal communication between parents and children with disabilities is needed in fostering positive behavior in children. A quality relationship given by parents to their children, can determine how the resulting quality in the child's personality. This study aims to determine and describe how interpersonal communication between parents and children with disabilities in the family environment, especially in Ngembal Village, Wajak District, Malang Regency in shaping positive behavior. The type of research used by researchers is an explorative qualitative method. The results of this study indicate that from some of the information obtained, each parent has a different way of communicating and teaching something to children with disabilities, including some who communicate through sign language, some communicate with everyday language but are more emphasized. From the above differences, it does not rule out the possibility that children with disabilities can still communicate well in the family environment. This interpersonal communication built by parents is a form of how parents produce positive behavior for children with disabilities.