Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of the survey?
The purpose is to capture information about the needs of children with disabilities and their parents or guardians. We want to know what support services children are receiving and how well these services meet their needs. We would also like to learn more about the general needs of the household.
Who is conducting the survey?
The County of Santa Clara’s Division of Equity and Social Justice (DESJ), through the Office of Disability Affairs is conducting the survey. They developed the survey in partnership with Parents Helping Parents (PHP), an organization that provides supports to families of children with disabilities. ODA and PHP will partner with local disability advocacy organizations to recruit participants and administer the survey. After surveying is complete, DESJ will analyze the data and describe the results in a report.
Who can participate in the survey?
You can participate if you have a child of any age with a disability, you live in Santa Clara County, and you are at least 18 years of age.
I am not sure if my child has a disability. How do I know if I am eligible?
Even if your child does not have a medical diagnosis or is not receiving disability support services, we may still want to hear from you.
Does your child have difficulty doing any of the following in ways that limit certain activities or how they interact with others?
- Controlling their emotions or behavior when they are upset?
- Living independently (if they are 23 years of age or over)?
- Dressing, bathing, or eating and drinking?
- Walking or climbing stairs?
- Thinking, remembering, learning, or making decisions?
- Speaking?
- Hearing?
- Seeing?
If so, please take our survey!
In addition to my child, I also have a disability. Are you looking to learn more about my experience?
Yes! If you identify as an individual living with a disability, the survey has specific questions about your experiences as well.
How will ODA and DESJ ensure the survey is accessible?
ODA and DESJ will make accommodations for individuals who are eligible to participate but who cannot complete the survey online. These may include, but are not limited to, providing a paper copy of the survey, providing a copy of the survey in braille, conducting the survey over the phone, or administering the survey questions as an interview. If you know you will need accommodations, please contact ODA at [email protected] as soon as possible.
Why families of children with disabilities? How will the survey findings be used?
The County of Santa Clara is interested in families with children with disabilities as a community that is often overlooked but which has unique and diverse needs. We plan for the findings from the survey to inform the work of the ODA and to ultimately help us better support and represent all persons with disabilities living in Santa Clara County.
How can I support this project?
If you are an adult resident of Santa Clara County who is a parent or caregiver of a child with a disability, please take our survey! You can also share the survey with friends or family who you believe are eligible to take it. If you represent a disability advocacy organization, you can help us by promoting the survey to your members.