Voices of Parents in Turkey on Participation Rights of Children with Disabilities

Abstract This study aims to investigate the perspectives of parents with children with disabilities in Turkey on their children’s participation at home and school. Phenomenological qualitative study design was used. The sample consisted of a total of 20 people, 8 fathers and 12 mothers, whose children attend a special education and rehabilitation center in a city center in the Central Aegean region of Turkey. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted and the data were analyzed using the content analysis method. The data were categorized under three main themes as participation right, participation right at school and participation right at home. Parents explained participation as children expressing themselves and giving importance to their views. Parents stated that teachers, school and family were supportive factors for participation, while children’s developmental disabilities and financial problems were barriers. Parents stated that they make decisions with their children at home on different issues. Family-based intervention programs for children with disabilities can be prepared and comprehensive studies can be conducted on the effects of these programs.