The Supports Provided to Families Having Children with Multiple Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study

Abstract

Providing social, educational and health support to families of children with multiple disabilities is one of the factors affecting the quality of life of families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to determine the support services offered to families, as many people are in social isolation and many institutions and organizations have switched to different working systems. This study aims to determine social, educational and health support services provided to families having children with multiple disabilities  in the period of COVID-19. The research was carried out with the case study, one of the qualitative research methods. Semi-structured interview technique was used to collect data in the study, and the interviews were made online and recorded, and then analyzed by descriptive analysis technique. 14 families having children with multiple disabilities participated in the study. Criterion sampling and easily accessible sampling methods were used together in the selection of the study group. According to the findings of the research, it was revealed that the COVID-19 period had a negative impact on children with multiple disabilities and their families, and families were not provided with the necessary support in the areas of social life, education and health in this COVID-19 pandemic.