Journal Of Ratchasuda Institute for Research and Development of Persons With Disabilities

The Grammatical Structure of Thai Sign Language: An Analysis at the Phrase, Sentence, and Discourse Levels

2026-01-13T10:16:55+07:00

This academic article presents a systematic linguistic description of Thai Sign Language (ThSL) grammar at three levels: phrase, sentence, and discourse, synthesizing data from literature reviews and linguistic analysis. This paper offers several significant contributions to the field. First, it provides the first detailed analysis of ThSL phrase structure, covering noun phrases, verb phrases, and adverbial phrases. Second, it proposes a revised and more parsimonious six-type model for simple sentences based on predicate, which offers greater explanatory power than the previous 18-type classification. Finally, it presents an inaugural exploration of discourse-level cohesive devices, identifying classifiers, buoys, and role shift as key grammatical and morphological mechanisms for maintaining reference in narratives. These systematic structures affirm ThSL's status as a natural, rule-governed language with systematic patterns consistent with other documented sign languages.

Factors Influencing Returning to Work of Stroke Patients

2025-11-12T11:21:52+07:00

This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with and the proportion of return to work among stroke patients. The sample consisted of 132 stroke patients who received rehabilitation services at the Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Institute. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Barthel Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Index, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and Social Support. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression The results revealed that return to work among stroke patients was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with occupational type, stroke severity, cognitive function, and the ability to perform activities of daily living. Patients engaged in occupations emphasizing intellectual or office-based tasks (white-Collar) were 4.5 times more likely to return to work compared with those involved in physically demanding jobs (blue-Collar) (p = .003, OR = 4.495, 95% CI = 1.643–12.299). Greater stroke severity was associated with a lower likelihood of returning to work (p = .024, OR = 0.650, 95% CI = 0.447–0.945). In addition, patients without cognitive impairment were 3.8 times more likely to return to work than those with cognitive deficits (p = .010, OR = 3.785, 95% CI = 1.374–10.433), and patients with a higher ability to perform activities of daily living were twice as likely to do so. Overall, 59.1% of participants successfully returned to work. The average duration for patients to return to work was about 7.63 months (SD.= 5.85). These findings emphasize the multifactorial nature of return to work after stroke, influenced by personal, health-related, and environmental factors. Understanding these factors is essential for developing holistic and integrated rehabilitation strategies combining physical, cognitive, and vocational rehabilitation to enhance work reintegration, reduce dependency, and improve long-term quality of life among stroke survivors.

The Development of Curriculum to Enhance Special Education Research Potential for Student Teachers of Special Education

2026-02-25T10:13:21+07:00

The purpose of this study were to (1) study basic information for developing the curriculum to Enhance Special Education Research Potential for Student Teachers of Special Education, (2) develop and validate the quality of the curriculum, (3) to implement the curriculum, and (4) evaluate and improve the curriculum. Using the research and development process. The samples used in this experimental curriculum were 25 Student Teachers of Special Education, Third Year, Faculty of Education, Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University. The research instruments consisted of questionnaires, interview forms, the curriculum, tests, and curriculum quality evaluation forms. The statistics methods used for analysis data were mean, standard deviation and dependent sample t-test. Findings of study were as follows: 1) The basic of the development of curriculum found that there were problems and needs for developing Special Education Research Potential at the highest level. 2) The curriculum comprised 5 components: principles, objectives, content structure, teaching methods, and measurement and evaluation. It was developed based on Research-Based Learning framework. The results of the quality evaluation showed that the model was rated at the highest level of appropriateness. 3) After implementing the curriculum higher than before implementing the curriculum with statistical significance level of .05, and teachers’ satisfaction with the curriculum at the highest level. 4) The quality of curriculum was that utility, feasibility, propriety, and accuracy were at the highest level.

A Study of the Situation, Challenges, and Guidelines for Online Instruction for Undergraduate Students with Hearing Impairments

2026-02-09T09:50:55+07:00

This study aimed to (1) examine the conditions and problems of online instructional management for undergraduate students with hearing impairments and (2) propose appropriate guidelines for online instruction for this group. A qualitative research approach was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The participants consisted of 8 undergraduate students with hearing impairments, 6 instructors and sign language interpreters, and 10 experts in special education and community organizations, selected through purposive sampling method. The research instruments included semi-structured interview guides and focus group question protocols. Data were analyzed using inductive analysis combined with key point extraction. The findings revealed that the conditions and problems of online instructional management for undergraduate students with hearing impairments were identified in three aspects (1) instructional management, which involved limitations related to unstable internet connectivity, inappropriate learning devices, unfamiliarity with online platforms, and low levels of students’ participation; (2) assessment and evaluation, where online examination formats were not aligned with students’ learning characteristics, affecting comprehension of test questions, time allocation, and the accuracy of assessment results; and (3) support services and facilities, which were insufficient in terms of learning devices, internet access, online interpreting systems, and family support. Based on the synthesis of the findings, four guidelines for online instructional management for undergraduate students with hearing impairments were proposed: instructional management, assessment and evaluation, support services and facilities, and family and community support. The results indicated that online instruction for undergraduate students with hearing impairments required systematic support to enhance instructional quality and promoted educational equity in higher education.

The Development of Inclusive Classroom Management to Enhance Executive Functions for Students at Risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Chiang Mai

2026-03-04T10:24:04+07:00

This research and development (R&D) study, conducted in inclusive schools in Chiang Mai, aimed to 1) examine the current state of inclusive classroom management for students at risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); 2) develop an inclusive classroom management manual to promote executive functions (EF) for these students; and 3) evaluate the effects of the developed manual. The target group was selected through purposive sampling based on specified criteria and consisted of 10 school administrators and 10 classroom teachers for focus group discussions, as well as 10 classroom teachers and 10 students at risk of ADHD for the implementation phase. Research instruments included focus group interview forms, the SNAP-IV rating scale, the Kasetsart University Executive Function Test for Thai Children (KU-THEF), the developed manual, and satisfaction evaluation forms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The results revealed that 1. The current situation indicated that the target students exhibited very high levels of ADHD-risk behaviors and severe executive function deficits. Meanwhile, teachers’ classroom management practices lacked concrete strategies and specialized knowledge related to executive functions. 2. The developed manual consists of four key components: inclusive classroom management guidelines aligned with executive functions, EF-promoting activities in inclusive classrooms, screening procedures, and evaluation methods. The quality of the manual was rated at a very high level by experts. 3. Regarding the implementation of the manual with the target group, the results indicated that the overall severity level of ADHD-risk behaviors decreased (from a mean score of 78.20% to 54.23%). Furthermore, the mean executive function (EF) T-scores increased from 31.1 to 43.6. These findings demonstrate clear positive development specifically within the studied target group. Additionally, the teachers’ satisfaction with the manual was at the highest level.

A Study of Needs and Rehabilitation Services Provision for Persons with Low-Vision in a Hospital-Based Low-Vision Clinic

2026-01-02T23:51:33+07:00

This study investigates the provision of vision rehabilitation services at a hospital based low vision clinic in Thailand and examines the service needs of patients. The research was conducted at the low vision clinic of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (KCMH), a major national facility and key entry point for rehabilitation following vision loss. Data were collected from 100 low vision patients who visited the clinic between January and March 2022. Telephone interviews were administered using a questionnaire consisting primarily of closed ended items, supplemented with open ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative responses were examined through content analysis. Findings showed a slight female majority (56%), with most patients aged 40 years or older (74%). Retinitis pigmentosa emerged as the leading cause of low vision. Although 67% of participants had previously received rehabilitation services—mainly access to low vision devices rather than orientation and mobility (O&M) training—several barriers persisted, including social stigma, transportation costs, and challenges related to the service environment. In terms of needs, 52% of patients, especially older adults, prioritized access to low vision devices, followed by technology training (15%). Given the heterogeneity of this population, respondents expressed a strong preference for a comprehensive, one stop service model that integrates outreach capabilities. The study recommends implementing educational and counseling programs to improve patient awareness of rehabilitation benefits, reduce stigma related to mobility aids, and address misconceptions. Policy reforms are also needed to streamline reimbursement and procurement processes for high cost assistive devices.

Developing a Multisensory Learning Space Model Based on Universal Design Principle to Promote Development of Preschoolers at Risk for Developmental Delay

2026-06-06T14:03:25+07:00

The purpose of this research and development was to 1) examine the conditions and utilization of outdoor learning spaces for Nursery–K1 students at a school (Age 2-4 years old), and 2) develop a multisensory outdoor learning space model for at-risk children with developmental delays (Age 2-4 years old), based on Universal Design principles. The study was conducted in two phases. In Phase 1, participants included five Nursery–K1 teachers and four Nursery–K1 children at risk of developmental delay. Research instruments consisted of interviews, behavioral observation, and area surveys, covering five learning stations and three pieces of playground equipment. Findings revealed that existing space presented limitations in terms of Universal Design, particularly in equipment placement, size appropriateness, and the diversity of sensory experiences provided through play. In Phase 2, a design sketch of the outdoor learning space was developed and evaluated by three experts in special education, occupational therapy, and toy design. Evaluation results showed that the first round of assessments rated the design sketch as good (= 3.86, SD= 0.79) while the second round rated it as very good (= 4.78, SD= 0.31). These results suggest that applying Universal Design principles to learning space development can effectively reduce barriers and enhance developmental outcomes through play for young children at risk of developmental delays.

Development of Digital Media Using Sign Language Videos to Promote Pétanque Learning among Students with Hearing Impairments

2026-06-02T09:12:56+07:00

The purposes of this research were 1) to develop and evaluate the efficiency of digital media using sign language videos to promote pétanque learning among students with hearing impairments based on the 70/70 efficiency criterion; and 2) to compare students’ learning achievement before and after learning through the developed digital media. This study employed a research and development approach using a one-group pretest–posttest design. The target group is fifth-grade students with hearing impairments in the 2025 academic year, selected using purposive sampling. They were divided into two groups: a group of 7 students from Tak School for the Deaf to evaluate the efficiency of the media, and a group of 17 students from Anusarnsunthorn School for the Deaf in Chiang Mai Province to compare students’ learning achievement. The research instruments included an in-depth interview form, digital media using sign language videos to promote pétanque learning among students with hearing impairments, and a learning achievement test. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and the Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed-Rank Test. The results revealed that the efficiency (E₁/E₂) of the digital media using sign language videos to promote pétanque learning among students with hearing impairments was 80.26/75.33, which met the established 70/70 criterion. Furthermore, students’ post-learning achievement scores were significantly higher than their pre-learning scores at the .05 level of statistical significance.