THERAPY SERVICES IN EARLY INTERVENTION - CURRENT STATUS, BARRIERS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The purpose of this study was to determine (a) the major challenges in providing specialized therapies to infants, toddlers, and preschooler s with disabilities; (b) what models of service delivery are used and why; (c) what makes the provision of therapy services go well; and (d) what strategies are used for overcoming barriers to effective service s. Focus groups were conducted with early intervention therapists, non therapist professionals, administrators, and parents. Results showed t hat a shortage of pediatric therapists and policy/administrative const raints caused services to be of lower quality than desired. We also fo und that concepts of ''needing'' therapy were muddled and that most pe ople said that ''more is better'' as long as the quality is high enoug h.