Parenting Decisions and Disability: What Rehabilitation Counselors Should Know

The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain a better understanding of the experiences of parents raising a child with a disability. The researcher collected qualitative data through multiple interviews with parents who had children with disabilities. The results of this study indicated that parents perceived that both the parent and child had needs that were not being met and found ways in which they were empowered to make certain parenting decisions. Three major themes emerged from the data: 1) desire to protect, 2) the influence of medical professionals, and 3) a sense of passive hope for their children and other families. Parents shared what appeared to be lacking was sufficient education and emotional support to help them channel their loving energy into setting higher expectations for their children. They needed help to effectively plan for and reach developmental milestones and support for confidence in their child’s abilities to afford them opportunities to take control of their own lives. Several recommendations were suggested to help rehabilitation professionals better support parents raising children with disabilities.