Grant: Emerging Team Grant: Children with Disabilities (Bright Futures for Kids with...

Although research is beginning to address the impact that disabilities have on Canadian children and their families, sorely missing is an understanding of the experiences of First Nations (FN) families of children with disabilities. A detailed understanding of the disability trajectory from the perspectives of FN families is needed in order to ensure that the best interests of FN children with disabilities and their families are promoted in health care. The purpose of this team grant is to arrive at an increased understanding of the disability trajectory from the perspectives of FN families of children with disabilities. Attention will be given to identifying the needs of FN families of children with disabilities, as well as the health and social services needed to meet their needs and facilitate participation in everyday life. First Nations families of children with disabilities from Manitoba will be interviewed about their experiences. The potential contribution of this study is fourfold. First, this study will result in foundational knowledge specific to perspectives of FN families of children with disabilities. This study will give a voice to those families participating in the study and provide them the opportunity to articulate a broader vision of childhood disability that will extend beyond what is presently known. Second, findings may be used to guide policy and program development and evaluation of new models of service delivery pathways for FN families with attention to the type of services delivered, how services are delivered, and who delivers the care. Third, this study will provide grounding for future research that will include national studies and the development and testing of meaningful intervention programs. Fourth, the network that develops because of this work may serve as a model for future knowledge translation activities in the area of childhood disability as well as other health priorities in FN families, and across the country.