Mothers at the Heart of Disability Caregiving

This article explores the multifaceted experiences of mothers raising children with disabilities, drawing on both existing literature and primary data from a field survey of 400 caregivers in rural Dharwad district, Karnataka. The findings reveal that mothers constitute the majority of primary caregivers (56%), with 40% reporting themselves as homemakers. Locomotor and intellectual disabilities were the most frequently reported conditions. Mothers face significant emotional stress, financial strain, and social isolation, yet also demonstrate resilience and adaptability through informal support networks and advocacy efforts. The study highlights the intersectional burdens faced by mothers, shaped by gender roles, poverty, and stigma, and emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive policy interventions, psychosocial support, and inclusive education initiatives. By centering the lived experiences of mothers, this article underscores the importance of gender-sensitive approaches in disability studies and social work practice.