Parent, carer, person: future plans and the identities of parent carers for people with disabilities

Abstract

Parent carers are often central in future planning for their children with disability; however, little is known about the implications of planning for parents’ futures and aspirations. In understanding these, parents’ own identities are important, but how these identities intersect with their planning is not well understood. This study explored how parents were positioned in discussions about planning. Interviews with parents and planning service staff highlighted three positions among parents – carer, parent, and person – representing multiple, intersecting identities. These impacted on and were impacted by planning in particular ways. Understanding these processes may assist programmes to support parents more effectively.

Keywords:

• Parent carers
• planning
• identity

Acknowledgements

The contributions to this project of the families who participated as well as the participating organisations and their staff are gratefully acknowledged. The authors would also like to thank Grace Bitner for her assistance with the research.