I did not even receive even a phone call from any institution!’: experiences and recommendations related to disability during COVID-19

Abstract

Background: Individuals with disabilities and their families, among the disadvantaged groups in society, have encountered increased hardships accessing support and services in various social contexts, such as education, health, transportation, rehabilitation, and social services. Thus, it is essential to examine parents’ experiences as a background catalyzer to improve the currently available services and provide psychological and social support. This study examined the experiences of families of children with disabilities who were in Turkey during the pandemic’s early stages, and yielded suggestions based on these experiences. Method: A phenomenological design was used in this study, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 parents of children with disabilities. Findings: Three themes emerged from data analysis: (a) quarantine, (b) education, and (c) children with disabilities. Conclusions: The findings revealed the importance of taking necessary precautions for individuals with disabilities and their families to access social services. Additionally, findings underline the essentiality of providing psychological support to families while providing and extending family education.