Unseen Struggles: Understanding the Burden of Parents Raising Children with Multiple Disabilities

This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of parents raising children with multiple disabilities, focusing on the challenges of caregiving, healthcare access, educational barriers, and institutional support gaps. The research aimed to provide a localized understanding of how financial strain, emotional distress, and systemic limitations impact parental resilience. By conducting in-depth interviews with six parents from Santo Tomas, Davao Region, the study utilized thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns in their experiences. The findings revealed that parents experience intense physical and emotional exhaustion, compounded by limited healthcare accessibility, inadequate special education programs, and bureaucratic hurdles in government assistance. Parents emphasized financial hardships, social stigma, and the lack of communal support as primary obstacles affecting their ability to provide adequate care for their children. Additionally, the study highlighted key coping strategies, such as building emotional resilience, relying on informal support networks, and advocating for disability rights, as essential mechanisms for overcoming these challenges. Despite institutional failures, parents exhibited remarkable adaptability, continuously seeking solutions within their limited resources to improve their childrens quality of life. This study underscores the urgent need for policy reforms, increased government funding, and inclusive education initiatives to ensure that families raising children with disabilities receive equitable access to medical, financial, and educational support. Furthermore, local government units, healthcare providers, and community organizations must take active roles in reducing stigma, promoting disability-inclusive policies, and developing sustainable intervention programs. While the challenges remain significant, empowering parents through targeted assistance and structured support systems can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for families navigating disability care.