The challenges faced by working parents of children with disability

Abstract

This study focuses on the working experience of parents of children with a disability and the visible and invisible hurdles they encounter to balance work commitments and personal life. Since disability places a set of extra demands on the family system, most of these demands last for a long time, Hence, this is why the aim of the study is to explore factors that facilitate the participation of the parents in the labour market and the support networks chosen to help parents cope with the care-taking responsibilities to maintain career plans.

In-depth interviews were conducted with eight participants, six females and two males. All participants are parents of a child with a disability and participate in the labour market, occupying various positions. The data collected was analysed using the Thematic Analysis approach.

The results acknowledge that there are several challenges around the experience of caring for a child with a disability while managing work responsibilities. To fulfil the aim of this study, a number of factors were identified which may influence the parenting experience and work commitment, therefore ensuring that these parents are receiving the appropriate support from their employer and colleagues. The factors that facilitate the lives of these parents emerge from the working conditions at the place of work, reliable support network, and the backing from the employer and work colleagues. This study also provides recommendations that can be considered to help parents remain in employment and convince schools and communities to invest in more resources to cater for children and adolescents with a disability.