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Pozniak K, Swain A, Currie G, Doherty-Kirby A, Grahovac D, Lebsack J, Campbell W, Humphreys C, Patterson S, Raha S, Whitley J, Kraus de Camargo O. What supports and services post COVID-19 do children with disabilities and their parents need and want, now and into the future? Front Public Health 2024; 12:1294340. [PMID: 38655511 PMCID: PMC11036871 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1294340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Children and youth with disabilities and special healthcare needs, and their families, have been uniquely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the voices of children themselves are still not well represented in the existing literature. Methods This qualitative descriptive study used a combination of visual methods and interviews to learn about the experiences of Canadian children with disabilities (n=18) and their parents (n=14) during the COVID pandemic and into the post-pandemic period. Data collection was carried out between January and July 2023. The aim was to identify the supports and services children and families need at present and moving forward. Results Families' pandemic experiences were complex and nuanced. For many, the pandemic complicated and disrupted everyday activities and supports. These disruptions were largely buffered by parents. However, some families also identified unexpected benefits. Key themes pertaining to present and future needs included the need for services that are flexible; consistent; conducive to relationship-building; comprehensive; coordinated across sectors; and designed to support the needs of the whole family. Discussion Implications for policy and practice are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Pozniak
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - A. Swain
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - G. Currie
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - A. Doherty-Kirby
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - D. Grahovac
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - J. Lebsack
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - W. Campbell
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - C. Humphreys
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - S. Patterson
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - S. Raha
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - J. Whitley
- Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - O. Kraus de Camargo
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Benoit C, Bourgeault I, Mykhalovskiy E. How equitable has the COVID-19 response been in Canada? CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2022; 113:791-794. [PMID: 36350477 PMCID: PMC9645333 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-022-00707-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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