The coronavirus pandemic imposed restrictive public health measures to reduce the spread of the infection in all European countries, including Bulgaria. Among the most affected by the restrictions were children with disabilities as this led to a disruption of their regular service provision. The study aimed to understand if online rehabilitation services in Varna, Bulgaria met the needs of children with neurological disorders during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Between July and August of 2020, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents of children with disabilities who were handled at the Karin Dom Foundation. They were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the impact of the coronavirus service disruption on the overall rehabilitation strategy and assistance, the influence of online services on the development of their child, and the family’s quality of life during the period of May-June, 2020. In a sample of 62 parents and caregivers of children with neurological impairments, the study finds that the cognitive abilities of children are positively impacted by online rehabilitation services as compared to motor-skill and self-care abilities. Due to secondary pressures on all family members, children with neurological impairments may be at “high-risk” for coronavirus impacts and consequences. Our study found that internet rehabilitation programmes may benefit neurologically impaired children. Public health initiatives may promote family- centered treatment for children with neurological diseases by boosting family well-being. This study calls for greater online crisis services for neurologically challenged children.
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