How to Parent with a Disability: A Summary

Geoff Cook

How to Parent with a Disability: A Summary

The podcast episode "How To Parent With a Disability" tackles the often-overlooked challenges faced by disabled parents in the U.S. Astonishingly, at least 10% of parents identify as disabled, yet mainstream parenting advice frequently fails to account for disability and accessibility needs. In this insightful episode of How To!, Carvell Wallace engages in a crucial conversation with Jessica Slice, the author of "Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World," to help a listener named Andrea envision parenthood through a disability-inclusive lens. They delve into the systemic barriers and everyday hurdles that disabled parents encounter due to an often inaccessible world, aiming to provide practical solutions and foster a supportive community. The podcast also invites listeners to submit their dilemmas for potential on-air solutions.

Have you ever considered how traditional parenting advice might not apply to everyone? What are your thoughts on creating more inclusive resources for parents with disabilities?

Original link: How To Parent With a Disability

Give the episode a listen and share your perspectives!

Sarah Tuberty

Such a great discussion topic Geoff!! I just listened to an NRP interview with Jessica Slice on her book, and found it so powerful. She shared a story of taking her daughter out in her neighborhood and how her neighbors commented/ called child protective services as they thought Jessica was an "unfit parent." Which is so wild to me!

I follow a series of people on Instagram, some are new parents and have been super vulnerable (and angry!!) in their experiences of dealing with others opinions of them.

The first is Sarah Herron, a limb different mother of 2 twins, she recently had comments from people saying things like "you shouldn't be left alone with those babies" - and then proceeds to show how she manages a bunch of one handed tasks required of parenting.

The other is of Alex Dacy, a mom of a toddler- Alex is a power w/c user and a single disabled momma- who experiences similar negative comments from others really criticizing her ability to parent.

It is wild to me that people think we cant parent, or that us needing support and help (just like all parents need help and support) means that we should not have our children. Gaaah!

Samantha Fletcher

This is two of my friends that did this programme, there children are nearly adults now.

Documentary laying bare the joys and hurdles of disabled parenting over a six month period, following comedian Laurence Clark and his wife Adele, who both have cerebral palsy.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01dwgnn

Geoff Cook

I think it's incredible that the common misconception around disability and relationships, parenting, is still prevalent. Just like anything else, we may need to figure out how to do it our way, but we will find a way to get it done.

Geoff Cook

Samantha, thank you for posting. I can't wait to give it a listen.