Types of support accessed by families of young children with disabilities living in Alberta

This longitudinal study inventoried the types of services accessed by a sample of Alberta families of children with or at-risk for disabilities. We explored the role of severity of disability, parental stress, and family income on services accessed. With few exceptions, services were accessed more frequently as the children’s lives progressed but higher income families accessed more services than lower income families, even though the latter families had children with more severe disabilities. Difficulties accessing services and lack of services were reported by lower income families. The authors conclude that integrated services are necessary to improve access for those families most in need.