Zdalne formy wsparcia dorosłych osób z niepełnosprawnością intelektualną podczas pandemii Covid-19 w opiniach rodziców i opiekunów
Remote forms of support for adults with intellectual disabilities during the Covid-19 pandemic in the opinions of parents and caregivers

Author(s): Celina Kamecka-Antczak, Klaudia Wos-Rutkowska, Mateusz Szafrański
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Sociology
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego
Keywords: Covid-19 pandemic; intellectual disabilities; remote therapy
Summary/Abstract: The educational and therapeutic reality for people with intellectual disabilities changed dramatically during the Covid-19 pandemic. Most institutions supporting people with intellectual disabilities switched to a remote mode of operation, which required adaptation to the new realities by people with disabilities, their immediate families, as well as therapists and institution staff. The aim of the research discussed in this article was to find out the opinions of parents of adults with intellectual disabilities on the quality of remote therapy and rehabilitation offered by day care centres during the first stage of the pandemic in Poland and to look for solutions to improve this process in the future. The results of the research indicate difficulties in combining professional, home and therapeutic duties by parents of adults with intellectual disabilities, problems concerning the implementation and conduct of therapy, lack of access to professional rehabilitation equipment or low level of skills in using computer equipment. Concern about the regression of the child’s skills and limited access to contact with friends was also a frequently mentioned problem. Parents’ demands included: regularity of therapy, constant contact with the therapist, adjusting the schedule to the rhythm of the day, training in the use of computer equipment, ensuring contact with peers or introducing a hybrid model – remote classes and meetings in real life. The research conducted was the first in Poland to report on a qualitative evaluation of remote therapy for people with intellectual disabilities during the Covid-19 epidemic. Further, broader research is needed to find solutions that respect the rights of people with disabilities to education and therapy.

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