Examining the IFSPs of Rural, Low-income Families: Are They Reflective of Family Concerns?

Abstract

Individualized family service plans (IFSPs) should reflect the concerns and priorities of the families for which the plan is written. Families with low incomes that live in rural areas may have unique concerns and priorities due to their financial circumstances and where they live. In this study, qualitative methods were used to examine the concerns of five rural, low-income families of young children with disabilities and the content of their IFSP documents. The families identified three categories of concerns: parenting a child with a disability, health issues of the child, and family issues. The families' IFSP documents primarily addressed concerns related to parenting a child with a disability. Findings from this study suggest a potential disconnect between family-identified concerns and family outcomes and supports outlined on the IFSP.