Early Intervention and Early Childhood Services for Families in Rural Settings

Abstract

This paper presents findings from an eight-year longitudinal qualitative research project involving 23 families. In-depth interviews were designed to gather information on the perceptions and experiences of parents (and other family members) of infants identified neonatally in birth crisis, or shortly thereafter, as having developmental disabilities. Case studies describing families residing in rural and small town settings are presented. Due to the isolated nature of these settings, 74% (17 out of 23) of these babies were medically evacuated by helicopter to one of the two urban public hospitals in the state. Four additional infants underwent transport by ambulance from the birth hospital to an urban hospital. This experience dramatically impacted the parents who were not transported with their babies. The unique difficulties faced by rural families, including limited availability of specialized medical and developmental services, are identified as important factors to consider when providing special services. Recommendations for improving rural service delivery are presented based on the perceptions and experiences of these families.