How mothers orchestrate their engagement in an early intervention program

<p>A family-centered approach was espoused in IDEA Part C as the context for service to families with young children experiencing developmental delays. A phenomenological inquiry was conducted to explore how mothers of young children with disabilities orchestrate their engagement in an early intervention program, and to identify factors that support their participation. In-depth interviews were conducted with five mothers of children enrolled in a community-based program located in an urban area. An over-arching theme addressing the need for service providers to be “In my reality” emerged. Sub-themes highlighted needs of the mothers to understand their child’s condition, promote their child’s development, and have valued experiences/opportunities for their child. The mothers described how positive and negative informal and formal supports either enhanced or constricted their engagement. The study emphasized how family-centered programming should be the service mode, embracing and facilitating each family’s reality, and not just a stated philosophy.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Health Sciences

Year

2006

Author dc:creator

• Brennan, Patricia Eileen

Contributors dc:contributor

• Elizabeth Francis-Connolly, PhD, OTR, Chair
• Ruth Hansen, PhD, OT, FAOTA
• Valerie Howells, PhD, OTR

• Learning disabled children
• Children with disabilities
• Parents of children with disabilities
• Public Health Education and Promotion

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/83

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1082