Issues faced when parenting with a disability
Research shows many parents with disabilities—mums particularly—feel society scrutinises their parenting more closely and is quicker to criticise them because of their disability.
This was confirmed in Disability Online's discussions with parents who have physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, mental health issues and degenerative conditions.
Professor Gwynnyth Llewellyn, director of the Australian Family and Disability Studies Research Collaboration, Faculty of Health Services, University of Sydney, sums it up like this: 'People with disability need support like any young people to help them parent.
'Society has not quite caught up with the very natural outcomes that derive from encouraging people with disability to live normal lives in the community. Relationships and parenting are a natural consequence and it affronts some people.'
Common issues repeatedly raised by parents are:
- social isolation
- discipline
- relationship concerns
- family planning.
These issues are common to many parents—irrespective of having a disability. Disability Online provides some handy links to practical services for parents.
Parents with disability—particularly mums with intellectual disability—are very concerned about the possibility of Child Safety intervention.
Sandi Seymour from Queensland Parents for People with a Disability says that fear is well-founded: she points to a University of Sydney study that showed an over-representation of parents with disability in care and protection proceedings.
Advocates like Sandi Seymour and Morrie O'Connor from Community Living Association say family support can make a tremendous difference.
'The thing that makes a difference is people; people standing beside a family,' says Sandi.
'Typically the best outcome—for parent and baby—is when extended family is involved and supportive,' adds Morrie.
