Parenting With a Disability

Most individuals have parental instincts. Those instincts don’t just go away because you have a disability.

Although becoming a parent was not in the cards for me, I have helped parent many children. My nieces, nephews, and God children are some who I have helped. I’m for sure the Cool Aunt! And yes, I love it! But sometimes it is best to remind them that they need to discuss certain topics with their parents as well.

I’m very fortunate, I’ve been blessed to watch some of my friends and colleagues with disabilities parent their children beautifully!  Just in case you’re wondering, yes there are people with disabilities that are parents and they’re some of the best in the world.

It’s truly a myth that people with disabilities can’t produce and have babies. Our anatomy works like everyone else’s.

I recently came across a story about a mother who’s quadriplegic and raising twin girls with her husband. The mom tells the reporter that she always wanted to be a mother and just because she acquired a disability, later in life, she still wanted to give birth to a child.

The mother also went on to explain that although parenting is hard at times, it’s hard period, even if you don’t have a disability. When living with a disability, life must be adapted, and parenting is just one of those adjustments. If we’re getting it done without danger, it’s all good. As the mother expresses, she’s just doing what any other mother would do to care for her children.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dani-s-twins-documentary-quadriplegic-mother-on-raising-twins/

Unfortunately, I’ve heard of stories of people saying, “people with disabilities should be sterilized so they can’t produce”. To this I ask, “who made you king/queen”.  Once again, it’s the stereotypes of people with disabilities.  Sometimes, being uneducated, can create into a situation that is simply not true.  And when that happens, you all know that I will be here to set the truth.

I’m proud to share that an Ohio law protecting parents with disabilities was signed in April of 2023.

https://www.aucd.org/template/news.cfm?news_id=16486&parent=16&parent_title=Home&url=/template/index.cfm?#:~:text=In%20April%202023%2C%20Ohio%20passed,the%20sole%20basis%20of%20disability.

As we strive for a world that includes all, let’s not forget this parenting group. You might think it’s unique, but to some, it’s just a part of being a mom and dad.