The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted children with disabilities and their families, presenting both challenges and unexpected benefits. According to the research article titled What supports and services post COVID-19 do children with disabilities and their parents need and want, now and into the future?, understanding these impacts can help practitioners enhance their service delivery. Here, we summarize key findings from the study and provide actionable insights for practitioners.
Key Findings from the Research
The study, conducted between January and July 2023, used qualitative methods to explore the experiences of 18 Canadian children with disabilities and their parents during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers identified several themes regarding the needs of these families:
- Flexibility in services
- Consistency and reliability in social connections
- Comprehensive, coordinated, and family-centered support
Flexibility in Services
The research highlights the need for flexible programs that can adapt to individual circumstances. For instance, virtual learning was beneficial for some children, allowing them to excel in a less distracting environment. However, a one-size-fits-all approach often fails to meet the diverse needs of children with disabilities.
Consistency and Reliability in Social Connections
Children and parents emphasized the importance of maintaining consistent relationships with peers, teachers, therapists, and care workers. High turnover rates in support staff can disrupt these vital connections, impacting the child's emotional and social well-being.
Comprehensive and Family-Centered Support
Families expressed the need for holistic support that considers the entire family unit. This includes coordinated care across different sectors like healthcare, education, and social services. Parents often find themselves juggling multiple roles, from therapists to care coordinators, which can be overwhelming.
Actionable Insights for Practitioners
Based on these findings, here are some actionable steps that practitioners can take to improve outcomes for children with disabilities:
- Adopt Flexible Service Models: Consider offering hybrid options that combine in-person and virtual services. Tailor these services to meet the individual needs of each child.
- Foster Consistent Relationships: Work towards reducing staff turnover and building long-term relationships with children and their families. This can be achieved through better training and support for staff.
- Implement Family-Centered Care: Develop comprehensive care plans that involve all family members and coordinate services across sectors. This holistic approach can alleviate the burden on parents and improve overall family well-being.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with disabilities and their families. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in ongoing research and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this field.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: What supports and services post COVID-19 do children with disabilities and their parents need and want, now and into the future?
