Retrospective evaluation of mothers' opinions related to the small steps early intervention program in Turkey

Abstract

The purpose of this current study is to evaluate the Small Steps Early Intervention Program based on opinions of the mothers who participated in the program ten years ago. The participants of this study consisted of 10 mothers who had young children with disabilities participating early intervention program carried out in Turkey between 2000 and 2003. In this study, a descriptive research method was used in order to determine the mothers' opinions regarding the Small Steps Early Intervention Program. The data was collected by using semi structured in-depth interviews. In an attempt to reach detailed findings, the data of the study were analyzed inductively. The present study provides an understanding of opinions related to the Small Steps Early Intervention Program of mothers who have children with disabilities and it gives important information on the effectiveness of the program having been implemented since 1996 in Turkey. More importantly, it gives insights regarding the changes and adaptations to be done for future implementation of the SSEIP which was the first structured early intervention program aimed to meet the needs of the young children with disabilities and their parents in our country.