ASSESSING NEEDS OF PARENTS WITH CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN TURKEY

Abstract

The universal experience of parents with a child with disabilities are added responsibilities and needs in supporting the child’s development. This study assessed the nature and extent of needs identified by parents of children with disabilities in Turkey using a Turkish translation of the Family Needs Survey (Bailey, Blasco & Simeonsson, 1992). The survey of 35 items and two open-ended questions was translated to reflect Turkish culture and linguistic equivalency. The psychometric properties of the Family Needs Survey were examined by administering it to 377 mothers and 297 fathers of children with disabilities, served in special education schools or rehabilitation centres. Factor analysis of data for mothers and fathers yielded a six-factor model explaining 56% and 61% of the variance, respectively. Alpha values for the factors of the survey ranged from .63 to .90 for the mother data set, and .80 to .91 for the father data set. Analyses of endorsed needs in the Family Needs Survey revealed an overall similar profile for both parents, with greater needs expressed for the factors of obtaining information, family and social support and community services than for factors pertaining to financial topics, explaining to others and child care. Mothers and fathers identified 35 additional needs reflecting themes of personal and societal concern related to parenting a child with disabilities in Turkey.