THE EXPERIENCE OF BLIND MOTHERS IN PARENTING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Abstract

Blind or visually impaired mothers (BVIMs) raising children with disabilities experience an exceptional set of challenges that have been largely overlooked in disability and parenting research and teacher education. With this study the researcher examined how BVIMs support their children with disabilities in key areas such as behavior management, educational advocacy, caregiving, and accessing resources. Additionally, the researcher sought to understand how these mothers navigate their experiences as they challenge with societal perceptions, institutional barriers, and the daily caregiving demands. The researcher employed a qualitative case study methodology, using in-depth individual interviews and a focus group with six BVIM participants. Each participant provided reflective summaries after their interviews, which were analyzed alongside the interview transcripts. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo 12 software to identify patterns and themes within the data. The data analysis revealed three major themes: (1) disability, with sub-themes of stigma, and health and well-being; (2) support, with sub-themes of social and community support and educational challenges; and (3) transportation, identified as a critical issue with no sub-themes. The findings emphasized the resilience of BVIMs when faced with significant barriers. Despite the stigma they encountered during their parenting experiences, these mothers continued to advocate for their children’s needs within educational, medical, and community systems. The lack of adequate support and transportation services further complicated their parenting role, making it crucial for future interventions to address these gaps. The researcher calls for improvements in policies, education, support systems, and teacher preparation to better meet the needs of BVIMs raising children with disabilities.