Parents of children with disabilities (PCD) often struggle with a complex feelings comprised of joy and despair. On the one hand, they try to accept their child's disability; on the other, they fear that this acceptance may lower their aspirations for their child. They wonder if they should continue to dream of their child achieving like other children. This study explores how parents’ aspirations are expressed in their daily lives. Using photovoice as a community-based participatory research, thirteen parents from a city in central Israel took part in a year-long project. Data was analyzed using categorical content analysis. Four key narratives emerged: (1) The dream and its breakdown; (2) They can be whatever they want to be!; (3) They can be whatever they want to be, can’t they?; and (4) To dream, but differently: Reframing aspirations for achievement. The findings reveal the complexity of parenting a child with a disability. Parents often hold conflicting aspirations, creating tensions that become part of their identity and are shaped through transformative learning processes. This study offers important insights for professionals and policymakers. It calls for more sensitive, tailored support for PCD as service users.

Authors:
Menny Malka, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Menny Malka is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at Department of Social Work, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel in Israel

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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