Design dimension of visual supports used in the education of children with special learning disabilities

Using visual supports is of great importance to support the learning processes and enhance understanding for children with specific learning difficulties. Visual supports involve enriching learning materials with visual elements such as graphics, pictures, and diagrams. These supports can help make complex concepts more comprehensible and enhance students' learning experiences. A significant focus in the education of children with specific learning difficulties is how to effectively design visual supports to support their learning processes and enhance understanding. The aim of the conducted research in this context is to thoroughly examine the design aspect of visual supports in the education of children with specific learning difficulties. The research is based on the case analysis method, which is a qualitative approach. The research was conducted based on a case study, a qualitative approach, and enriched with thematic and content analysis. As part of the research scope, participatory in-depth interviews were conducted with teachers and parents to understand how visual supports are used in the education of children with learning difficulties. These interviews constituted the primary source of data for the research, and a rich dataset was created through obtained audio recordings and transcripts. The collected data was analyzed using thematic analysis method, revealing main themes and subthemes. The findings of the research provide significant insights into how visual supports enrich the learning experiences of children with specific learning difficulties and facilitate understanding. Therefore, designing visual supports effectively is seen as a means not only to enhance the academic achievements of these children but also to provide additional support in their learning processes. This thesis focuses on the design aspect of visual supports for the education of children with specific learning difficulties, aiming to deeply understand the perspectives of teachers and parents. The obtained findings suggest that educators and experts can focus on the effective use of visual supports while developing more effective educational programs and materials for children with specific learning difficulties. This way, it is believed that the educational experiences of children striving to overcome learning challenges can be made more positive and productive.