Lifestyle
Parenting
Don’t let anyone convince you that this isn’t a realistic expectation of disabled people. Disabled people can, and do, become parents every day. Yes, that must mean we have had sex. As disabled parents, we may often feel we are on trial and having to prove ourselves able to bring up our own children.
Social services will probably offer advice and support, and some disabled people are content and comfortable with any support and assistance offered by social services. However, some disabled people choose to go to other organisations for information. If we are not aware of these options, we can’t make the choices. There are lots of aids available that have been designed to make it easier for disabled people to manage parenthood too. There are also alternative organisations to social services.
The National Centre for Disabled Parents is home to Disability, Pregnancy and Parenthood International (DPPI) - and the Disabled Parents’ Network - both believe that disabled people have the right to have children and to be supported to carry out the important job of being a parent.
The service can be used by:
- Parents
- Disabled people looking to become parents
- Family ,friends and allies of disabled parents
- Professionals working with disabled parents
The Centre offers information on disability, pregnancy and parenthood. Small items of baby care equipment are available to try out. A support worker is based at the centre, they can offer extra support for disabled parents if they should need it.
Contact a Family Wales - Advice and help for families caring for disabled children
Tel: 029 20 449569
Family Fund - Financial help and information for families with disabled children
Tel: 01904 621115 Textphone: 01904 658085
Children First is a major programme designed to transform the management and delivery of social services for children in Wales.