The experiences of parents of children with disabilities
Parents of a child with a disability cope with greater demands than those living with a healthy child. The purpose of this qualitative study was to provide insights into the experiences of parents of children with disabilities. The research was located in the phenomenological framework. Seven parents who are residing within uThungulu District municipality and whose children were diagnosed with disability participated in the study. They were selected though purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted with them to gain in-depth insights into their experiences. Content analysis was used to analyse data gathered through in-depth interviews and five themes emerged i.e. parents’ realisation of the child disability, reaction towards the realisation of the child’s disability, the essence of parenting a child with a disability, parents’ social support and the needs identified by parents. Findings of the study indicated that parents do not alter their parenting. On the contrary, they modify it to accommodate the children with disability. Secondly, it transpired in the study that several challenges are faced by parents in raising their children with disability. These challenges include, among others, lack of financial resources, finding a suitable school for their children with disability, care giving challenges, lack of suitable housing and transport allocated for children with disability. It also transpired that there are support structures within their communities despite there being no programs to support them.
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