An exploration of human capabilities of parents with children (0-8 years) with disabilities

Abstract

Parenting a child with a developmental disability has a significant impact on the lives of parents and/or caregivers as well as how the family functions. This is often due to the changes in life routines that are necessary to provide for childcare may therefore require certain capabilities of carers. There is limited research conducted on the human capabilities of parents with disabled children in South Africa. This study, therefore, explored the human capabilities of parents or caregivers with children younger than eight years with developmental disabilities. This study used a qualitative methodological approach to explore the experiences of the parents of children with developmental disabilities.