The Home Environments of Young Children With and Without Disabilities

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the differences between the home environments of children with and without disabilities in relation to certain child and family variables. The participants were mothers of children (aged 0–72 months) with and without disabilities living in Ankara, Turkey. The Home Screening Questionnaire was used to gather data on the home environments of the children. The t tests showed that home measures were related to disability status only for the 3- to 6-year age group, with the families of children with disabilities having lower scores. The home environment was also found to be closely linked to maternal age, educational level, work status, and the family's monthly income. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of maternal characteristics on the home environments of children with and without disabilities and in terms of implications regarding early intervention programs.