Mothers with Physical Disabilities Caring for Young Children

ABSTRACT

Seventy-one U.S. mothers with a physical disability who had a child aged 0 to 3 years responded to a survey about the system of care used for their child. Results indicated that mothers participated in all different types of care (physical, comforting, playing, limit setting, and taking the child outside the home). Partners and participants’ mothers provided the most assistance with care. Mothers were generally satisfied with assistance received from others. This article explores how mothers remain central to their children with others assisting with the child’s care and the impact of such assistance on mothers’ relationships with partners and children.

KEYWORDS:

• Adapted equipment
• caregiving
• disability culture
• family roles
• mothers with disabilities
• parental disability
• physical disability
• young children