Individuals with Special Needs and Biological Disasters: Experiences of COVID-19

Natural disasters and pandemics are defined as events that affect all segments of society but make conditions more difficult for individuals with special needs and their caregivers. In disaster situations, meeting the needs of individuals with special needs and ensuring their safety requires the planning of individualized services. In this context, various physical, emotional, and social problems may arise for caregivers and individuals with special needs. Global events such as the pandemic can profoundly affect the lives of individuals with special needs and their caregivers, making the problems and needs they face more visible. The research, designed as a phenomenological design, consists of twelve mothers who are caregivers of individuals with special needs. Researcher diary, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews were used as data collection techniques. The data were analyzed through content analysis. Research findings were presented descriptively and supported by direct quotations. The research findings showed that the participants discussed their opinions under the headings of experiences, problems, support received, insights, and needs regarding the pandemic process. Participants described the pandemic process as frightening, disrupting their routines and making their difficult conditions even more difficult; they reported that they had problems spending time at home and coping with problematic behaviors. Their views on their experiences during the pandemic process were categorized as the experiences of the first encounter, the lessons they learned, the adaptation strategies they developed for the process, and the meaning of education during the pandemic. In addition, the caregivers received support in various fields from their close family members, neighbors, and teachers in this process. It was also found that they had needs in areas such as care, information, material, social interaction, and psychological support. Based on the results, recommendations for future research and applications have been presented.