Parents' perceptions regarding the effects of covid-19 on their children with and without disabilities

Abstract

This study aimed to explore parents' perceptions regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their children, with and without disabilities, from psychological, academic and social aspects. The study sample comprised 310 parents of children in Saudi Arabia both with and without disabilities. A questionnaire was prepared for the purpose of exploring parents' perspectives toward such impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychological, academic and social aspects of their children. Several statistical techniques were applied in order to answer the study questions, such as frequencies, percentages, Cronbach's alpha test, means, standard deviations and independent samples (T) test. The results revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has serious psychological effects on children, whether they are with or without disabilities. However, from the social and academic aspects, the impacts of the pandemic were generally moderate. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences at level of (α≥0.05) were found between children with and without disabilities. This study emphasized the importance of raising awareness among families on the management of the problems that arise during times of global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, both consciously and responsibly, by arranging appropriate training courses and workshops for them.