Immigrant parents of children with disabilities and their perceptions of their access to services and the quality of services received

An analysis of experiences of immigrant parents, in a Midwestern college community, accessing services for their child with a disability. A qualitative study using phenomenological theory was used wherein access to services was explored from the parents lived experience. Four immigrant parents were chosen using purposive sampling. Grand tour questions were asked leading to follow-up questions based on respondent answers. Interviews were audio recorded in a location chosen by respondents, and transcribed. Home environment and interactions with child were noted. Grounded theory emerged from analysis using the constant comparative method. Transcripts were read multiple times and categories began to emerge. Based on emergent categories transcripts were cut into segments and categorized accordingly. Comparisons of categories led to reanalysis and emergence of three primary themes; experience of accessing services, feelings about services, and factors affecting experience of accessing services. To enhance credibility, negative case analysis was used to incorporate differential experiences. Thick description was used to increase transferability. Dependability and Confirmability were addressed using an audit process. Two parallel theories emerged from the analysis; one regarding factors leading to positive experiences of accessing services, one regarding factors leading to negative experiences. The theories are supported by original data from the interviews and show how providers, the Department of Human Services, school systems and advocates can improve the situation. This study adds knowledge by exploring a previously unexplored type of community in this research area, but is limited by researcher requirement of English speaking respondents.