The COVID-19 pandemic has uniquely affected children with disabilities and their families, disrupting essential supports and services. However, it has also highlighted opportunities for improvement in service delivery. The research article "What supports and services post COVID-19 do children with disabilities and their parents need and want, now and into the future?" provides valuable insights into the current and future needs of these families. Here are key takeaways for practitioners looking to enhance their skills and service delivery.
Key Findings
- Flexibility in Services: Families need services that can adapt to individual circumstances. Whether in education, healthcare, or recreational activities, a one-size-fits-all approach often leaves gaps. For instance, virtual learning worked well for some children, suggesting that hybrid models could be beneficial.
- Consistent and Reliable Support: The pandemic exacerbated the turnover of support workers, affecting the continuity of care. Consistent relationships with caregivers, therapists, and teachers are crucial for children's well-being.
- Comprehensive and Holistic Support: Services should be designed to support the whole family, not just the child. This includes mental health support for parents and siblings, as well as coordinated care plans that take into account all aspects of a family's life.
Implementing These Insights
To apply these findings, practitioners can consider the following strategies:
- Advocate for Flexible Policies: Work with policymakers to create more adaptable service delivery models. This could include hybrid learning options or flexible funding criteria for therapies and equipment.
- Enhance Training and Support for Care Workers: Ensure that support workers are adequately trained and compensated to reduce turnover and improve the quality of care.
- Coordinate Care Across Sectors: Facilitate better communication and collaboration between healthcare, education, and social services to provide a seamless support system for families.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, there is still much to learn. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in further research to continue improving service delivery. Collaborating with families and children to understand their evolving needs can lead to more effective and compassionate care.
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?
