AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY REFLEXION TO SUPPORT MIGRANT FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Background: Europe has seen an increasing number of migrant families searching for a place to live. Some of them have children with disabilities. The European Charter for Family Carers (COFACE-Disability, 2012) recommends that... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Europe has seen an increasing number of migrant families searching for a place to live. Some of them have children with disabilities. The European Charter for Family Carers (COFACE-Disability, 2012) recommends that they should benefit from all resources to support the development of their child. How can these families‘ experience help to deliver equitable service in occupational therapy? Considering that few European OT studies on this topic, a reflexion based on a Canadian study on migrant families raising children with disabilities will be present.
Method:
Interviews were conducted with 28 migrant parents of children with developmental disabilities from Canada. Data were analyzed using an inductive content analysis. Debriefing sessions and iterative questioning support the reflexion.
Results:
Participants have a positive attitude toward therapist. They indicate many challenges related to their daily life. Understanding the health system and service delivery; searching for social support; establishing an effective communication with therapist; finding an occupational balance between all family activities were recurring themes.
Conclusion:
A reflexion around building a collaborative relationship is needed. Occupational therapists (OT) should support migrant families in their adaptation process, encourage the development of help seeking behaviours and promote social participation.
Application to Practice:
OT must: (1) provide different ways to communicate with these families and improve knowledge transfer; (2) be sensible to the family understanding of the child situation; (3) adjust intervention to culture; (4) take into account the impact of concrete aspects of the family daily life on their availability to invest in the rehabilitation process.