(University of the Free State, 2006) Olivier, Tilla; Williams, Evelyn
English: This investigation focused on the “special” (different from mainstream education)
nature of special education and teachers’ experiences of the challenges of teaching the
mentally disabled learner. The aim was to investigate the nature of the experiences of
teachers of mentally disabled learners and what guidelines can be provided for them. A
qualitative study with a descriptive, explorative, subjective and contextual research
design was chosen, using a phenomenological approach to data collection. This report of
the findings may serve as a basis for guidelines to teachers.