Date of Award

2004

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Peggy Mohr

Keywords

Disabled Children -- North Dakota; Family -- North Dakota; Needs Assessment -- North Dakota; Social Support -- North Dakota

Abstract

While other studies have researched the level of satisfaction of parents whose children are receiving early intervention services, no current studies have been done directly relating to services provided in North Dakota. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current need for information regarding rights and regulations that families with children eligible for early intervention services in North Dakota may have. In addition, the level of satisfaction of eligible families regarding the support given to them by Infant Development, along with their current and preferred methods of receiving pertinent information, was researched.

This study was done using a written survey. The North Dakota Department of Human Services assisted in the research by recruiting families to participate in the survey. The surveys were distributed by the North Dakota Department of Human Services to families currently receiving early intervention services. Two hundred families of children currently receiving early intervention services received the surveys, with an equal representation among the different geographical regions in North Dakota.

Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program. The results have been represented using frequencies and Chi square tests. It is evident that the families who participated in this research generally agree that they would like more information regarding their rights and regulations mandated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C. In addition, 93% of respondents were satisfied with the information provided specifically by Infant Development Programs.

Not only will agencies and providers be able to learn from the results of this study, families and children receiving early intervention services will, hopefully, be able to increase their understanding of their rights and regulations regarding those services.

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