Time as a Resource and Constraint for Parents of Young Children with Disabilities: Implications for Early Intervention Services

Abstract

Time is a fundamental resource and constraint for families. In this study we explored how parents and professionals understand time usage as a resource and constraint in the lives of families with young children with disabilities. This study draws from a qualitative research project that examined how parents and professionals worked together to develop and implement family-centered early intervention programs. Twenty-one family members and 19 professionals participated in eight focus groups to gather data on parent and professional partnerships in early intervention program implementation. Content analysis of data identified several issues associated with families' use of the resource of time. The findings discussed focus on the families' perceptions and are presented in issues generated by the families. The perspectives of professionals are discussed as they relate to the issues generated by families. Effective and efficient use of time by families is an important issue to examine in our efforts to provide family-centered services. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to developing early intervention programs for young children with disabilities and their families.