ISKUSTVO RODITELJSTVA OSOBA S TJELESNIM INVALIDITETOM
EXPERIENCE OF PARENTING AND PHYSICAL DISABILITY

Summary/Abstract: The paper deals with the topic of parenting for persons with physical disabilities. In the introductory part the parenting problems of persons with physical disabilities are presented, their most common needs and problems they face, together with the possible models of support of parents with disabilities. In the qualitative research conducted in March and April 2009 eight parents with physical disabilities participated. The method of half-structured interview was used. The aim of the study was to obtain insight into the experiences of parents with physical disabilities - how they perceive themselves as parents; what kind of parenting problems arise from their disability; what primary sources of support they use, and what are, in their opinion, the needs of parents with disabilities. On the basis of the obtained results, it is possible to conclude that parents with disabilities perceive themselves as competent parents, and their disability is not considered an obstacle to parenting, although they are aware that some difficulties in parenting arise from their disability, mostly emotional difficulties and problems with mobility. The primary sources of support they use are their family and the material help at the state level. Parents with physical disabilities agree that the type and severity of disability are the primary factors that influence the needs of parents with disabilities, but also think that certain improvements of their position - like removing spatial barriers and better legal regulation - would be of great help to them, and would enable them and their families to better participate in community life.

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