Lifespan Navigation-Building Framework for Children/Youth With Neurodisability and Their Families. Issue 3 (July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hébert, Michèle L.; Nicholas, David B.; Lach, Lucyna M.; Mitchell, Wendy; Zwicker, Jennifer; Bradley, Wenda; Litman, Sandy; Gardiner, Emily; Miller, Anton R.
• Is Part Of: Families in society. Volume 103:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 281
• Page End: 298
• Publication Date: 2022-07
• Subjects: neurodisability -- navigation -- PAR -- collective community impact -- framework -- autism (ASD) -- fetal alcohol spectrum disorders -- cerebral palsy; Social service -- Periodicals; Social case work -- Periodicals; Family social work -- Periodicals; Social service -- United States -- Periodicals; Family social work; Social case work; Social service; United States; Periodicals; 362.82097305
• DOI: 10.1177/10443894221081609
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1044-3894

Abstract

This study served to conceptualize neurodisability (ND) navigation-building. Capacity-building toward wide-reaching ND navigation or help-seeking service lacks empirical evidence. Researchers widely agree that a system-wide framework is absent. While research emphasizes service-level findings, other jurisdiction- and policy-level insights are lacking. Using Collective Community Impact and Participatory Action Research, government and nongovernment organizations in three Canadian regions implemented novel cross-jurisdictional initiatives to improve navigation capacity. Family-partners and other stakeholders systematically engaged in discussions. Grounded in qualitative thematic design, we sought to unveil connections between emerging themes. These themes led to stakeholders co-constructing an intersectoral navigation-building conceptualization. A framework was essential for highlighting change-levers and potential replication in other jurisdictions/landscapes. Finally, practice and policy implications compatible with an ecosystem model are presented.