Parenting is daunting for most people, but it can be especially challenging and scary if you have a disability and require help and attention yourself. Additional support is available to help parents with disabilities and many people with disabilities go on to become great parents.
Becoming a parent
Becoming a parent is not a decision that should be taken lightly and it is advisable to talk to your GP if you are planning to try for a baby. Many people will not have any problems during pregnancy and birth but for some, having a baby may not always be advisable due to health conditions. Consequently, it is important to find out all the necessary information before you decide to go ahead with trying for a baby.
If you do decide to have a baby, parenting classes should be adapted to suit your individual needs. This may involve using a room on the ground floor to enable wheelchair users to attend the class or using written or printed notes to help someone with a hearing impairment.
Support for parents
Social services are responsible for providing additional support for disabled parents. Often social services will carry out an assessment (disabled parents can request this assessment) in order to work out what kind of help the parents need; for example, do they need extra help at home or help with buying equipment for the baby?
Financial support is also available for disabled parents. You should contact your local authority or visit the DirectGov website for details of financial assistance available to disabled parents.
Equipment for parents
Many disabled people rely on equipment to help them carry out everyday activities and carry out disabled independence. They may require additional pieces of equipment when they have a child. Occupational therapists can help with making the home more accessible for both parents and children and working out what kind of equipment is needed. Many parents also find it useful to talk to other disabled parents to find out what they have found useful; this is also a good way of sharing experiences and getting to know other parents. Examples of equipment may include intercom systems, lightweight pushchairs and high chairs with adjustable heights.
School and disabled parents
All schools and colleges should make an effort to involve parents in the education of their child and this is no different for disabled parents; schools should promote integration and disabled independence and encourage parents to get involved in school life. Schools are expected to adapt to suit the needs of the parent if they have a disability. For example, if somebody has a hearing impairment, the teacher should make an effort to write reports and if a parent is blind, the school may put the report on CD or produce a large print or Braille version. There may also be additional support available, for example a Local Authority may provide transport to and from school if a parent cannot walk their child to school or drive.