Needs Assessment of Parents Raising Children with Disabilities in Preschool Educational Institution

with disabilities in preschool education institutions in Ukraine. THEORETICAL BASE: The
geography of the study covered three regions of Ukraine and seven preschools of different types.
The study sample was limited to parents whose children attend preschool and consisted of 107.
METHODS: Series of in-depth interviews were conducted with parents of children with disabilities
attending preschool. The results were transcribed word for word. To determine the descriptive
topics, the pre-coding was performed, and then refined and interpreted using the MaxQDA10
program. OUTCOMES: The results suggest among the basic needs of parents, which they lack
in care and upbringing, included: free time (42%); financial capabilities (financial support) (14%);
special skills of communication with children and parenting experience (11%); endurance and
patience (8%); coherence, understanding between family members (4%); psychological support
(3%). SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: Many indications imply the absence of awareness
among parents in the care and upbringing of children with disabilities; misunderstandings with
the social environment; lack of knowledge of parents about social institutions where families can
receive help and support; lack of meaningful leisure time with children with disabilities, social
isolation of the family.