Exploring Advocacy among Caregivers of Children Receiving Early Intervention Services

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Exploring Advocacy among Caregivers of Children Receiving Early Intervention Services
Language: English
Authors: Adriana Kaori Terol (ORCID 0000-0002-2858-7371), Kelly Fulton, Abby Hardy, Meghan Burke (ORCID 0000-0001-5287-2351)
Source: Journal of Early Intervention. 2025 47(4):418-437.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 20
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Advocacy, Children, Disabilities, Early Intervention, Affordances, Barriers, Individual Characteristics, Parent Role, Caregiver Role
DOI: 10.1177/10538151241298662
ISSN: 1053-8151
2154-3992
Abstract: While parents are often expected to advocate for their children with disabilities throughout their lifespans, little is known about the beginning advocacy experiences for parents of young children with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to examine the advocacy experiences of caregivers of children with disabilities during early intervention. Altogether, 24 caregivers of children with disabilities participated in individual interviews about their lived experiences with advocacy in early intervention. Findings revealed that participants often engaged in advocacy during early intervention. Some advocacy strategies were similar to advocacy for school services (e.g., learning one's rights). In addition, some strategies included using effective communication strategies and being assertive and persistent. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1490763
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:While parents are often expected to advocate for their children with disabilities throughout their lifespans, little is known about the beginning advocacy experiences for parents of young children with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to examine the advocacy experiences of caregivers of children with disabilities during early intervention. Altogether, 24 caregivers of children with disabilities participated in individual interviews about their lived experiences with advocacy in early intervention. Findings revealed that participants often engaged in advocacy during early intervention. Some advocacy strategies were similar to advocacy for school services (e.g., learning one's rights). In addition, some strategies included using effective communication strategies and being assertive and persistent. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
ISSN:1053-8151
2154-3992
DOI:10.1177/10538151241298662