The Current Situation and Issues Concerning the Provision of Information by Families with Physically Disabled Children

Abstract

[Purpose] We conducted a survey to clarify issues and the current situation regarding the provision of information by families with physically disabled children. [Subjects] The subjects were the parents of 28 elementary and junior high school students attending special educational facilities who were members of a physically disabled parents’ association connected with the facilities. [Method] We conducted a questionnaire survey asking to whom families provided information and the methods and contents of the information. [Results] All families provided information to schools, and 23 persons (82.1%) also provided information to disabled welfare service workers, public health and welfare nurses, or local government officals. This information was for assistance with family life, medical history or medical consultation facilities. Families felt a burden at the time of providing the information, and were worried about whether they were communicating the information correctly. When asked whether families were recording and keeping this information, 20 persons replied that it was necessary, and 11 persons (39.3%) answered that they wanted something to record the information in. [Conclusion] In the future, it will be necessary to examine the detailed needs of a notebook for recording and keeping information as a support tool for the provision of information by families of physically disabled children.