abstract
- PURPOSE: This study seeks to gain an understanding of access to rehabilitation services and disability allowances for children with disabilities and their families from the perspectives of service providers. METHOD: We interviewed 21 service providers in Bangladesh and used thematic analysis to analyze data. RESULTS: Participants reported their perspectives on two major themes: (a) challenges in providing services to children with disabilities (e.g., limited availability of services and favouritism); and (b) facilitators in providing services to children with disabilities (e.g., cooperation from community leaders and satisfaction). CONCLUSION: Providers' perspectives revealed unique insights that might be interesting for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. The findings reinforce the need to consider the availability of rehabilitation professionals and disability allowances to meet the greatest needs of children with disabilities and their families in Bangladesh. The findings also call for further research on policymakers' perspectives on addressing the systemic issues encountered by providers in providing support to children with disabilities and their families in Bangladesh.Implications for RehabilitationRehabilitation services are critical for children with disabilities to achieve optimal health, wellbeing and human rightsThe government of Bangladesh has increased rehabilitation services for children with disabilities, but there is a need for further investment to increase rehabilitation workforceIt is important to strengthen monitoring and evaluation of disability-specific programs to ensure equitable access to services for children with disabilities.