ERIC Number: EJ1215318
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Jun
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1053-8151
EISSN: N/A
Experiences of Families with Young Power Wheelchair Users
Currier, Beth A.; Jones, Maria A.; DeGrace, Beth W.
Journal of Early Intervention, v41 n2 p125-140 Jun 2019
Independent mobility in typically developing infants and young children has been linked to growth in many areas of child development and changes in family behavior and interaction. Research suggests similar benefits in young children with motor disability who use powered mobility. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of how families experienced their child's development, growth, and abilities after using a power wheelchair for 1 year with the intent to generate a preliminary model to capture the process and relationships among these experiences. Eight families participated in interviews, and using grounded theory methodology the research team investigated their experiences. Results informed the development of the preliminary model that framed three key themes: (a) child competence, (b) parenting experience, and (c) the influence of power wheelchair use along with the key category "It will help in the long run" that titled and anchored the model. This model provides a possible view into how the use of powered mobility may influence development by supporting both child competence and the parenting experience.
Descriptors: Assistive Technology, Young Children, Physical Disabilities, Physical Mobility, Family (Sociological Unit), Experience, Child Development, Competence, Child Rearing
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Department of Education (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: H325K08335