The Family-Centred Approach to Providing Services

Abstract

In this paper information is brought together from literature about family-centred service and the perceptions and feelings of parents who want a system that is responsive to their family's needs. It is written by a parent who advocates for parents as equal partners in the provision of services to families and their children who have disabilities. Parents whose children need specialized services believe that they are best able to make decisions regarding services they receive. With the support of the service provider, parents will be able to identify their roles as members on their child's team. With continued support, parents will fulfill this role, learn new skills and become empowered to take control over the service plan. Parents will become positive role models for children who may then learn the value of becoming active partners of their teams.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Linda Viscardis

Michael Lepp, PT, is in private practice, Associate Instructor of the Upledger Institute, and Clinical Instructor, Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, Cleveland, OH.

Marie McKenzie, MS, OTR, is in private practice. She was Coordinator of Occupational Therapy at Scottish Rite Hospital at the time of this study.

Heather Miller, MS, OTR/L, is currently employed by Madison County Educational Service Center, providing therapy services to the county's pre-schools. This research was completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements of an MS degree at Ohio State University.

Linda Viscardis, BA, is Team Leader and Community Development Worker, Peterborough Family Enrichment Centre. She is Co-Founder of P.R.O.S.P.E.C.T.S., a support and advocacy group for families who have children with special needs.