ABSTRACT

Objective : The purpose of this study is to understand the significance of experience for parents of children withdisabilities in selecting a rehabilitation therapy center and to comprehend the strategies for the selection process. Methods : This study used a phenomenological approach for a qualitative study. The participants were 7 mothers ofchildren with disabilities, who agreed to participate in this study. They underwent rehabilitation therapy for morethan a year after their children were diagnosed with a disability from their doctors. Results : This study drew 26 units of meaning, 8 central meanings, and 3 themes. The results were analyzed into 3themes; needs for rehabilitation therapy, difficulty in using rehabilitation therapy centers, and a selection strategyof a rehabilitation therapy center. The needs for rehabilitation therapy include the seriousness of the disability,difficulty in using a rehabilitation therapy center including psychological discomfort, and difficulty of the center’sprocedures, and a selection strategy for the rehabilitation therapy center included the therapist’s expertise. Conclusion : The most important selection strategy for a rehabilitation therapy center for parents of children withdisabilities was the therapist’s expertise. This study can provide information on the various experiences of parentsof children with disabilities in selecting a therapy.