Empowering Families: Building Support for Children with Disabilities
Location
Room 124
Start Date
28-2-2025 10:45 AM
End Date
28-2-2025 11:25 AM
First Presenter's Brief Biography
Laney Heard is a senior special education major at Georgia College & State University and is student teaching in a k-2 self contained classroom. She is currently the president of of the Georgia College & State University's Best Buddies chapter.
Second Presenter's Brief Biography
Brynn Morris is a senior special education major at Georgia College & State University from Madison, Georgia. She currently serves on the leadership team of Campus Catholics and is on the executive board of the Georgia College & State University Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children.
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Presentation Type
Concurrent Session
Any type of session
Abstract
Families raising a child with disabilities often face unique challenges that can affect their emotional, financial, and social well-being. These challenges vary depending on the nature of the disability, the family's resources, and their access to support. We will explore difficulties families face along with community resources that can help.
Conference Strands
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Description
Supporting families of students with intellectual disabilities often involves providing resources, community connections, and emotional support tailored to their unique challenges. Here are some effective ways to offer this support:
1. Emotional and Psychological Challenges
- Grief and Adjustment: Parents may experience grief over unmet expectations for their child’s life or struggle to adjust to a new reality.
- Stress and Burnout: The demands of caregiving, especially for children with complex needs, can lead to chronic stress and exhaustion.
- Mental Health: Higher rates of anxiety, depression, and guilt are common among caregivers.
- Siblings' Emotional Needs: Siblings may feel neglected, jealous, or overwhelmed by their brother or sister's needs.
2. Financial Strain
- Healthcare Costs: Expenses for therapies, medical equipment, medications, and specialist visits can be substantial.
- Reduced Income: One parent may need to reduce work hours or leave a job to provide full-time care.
- Educational Expenses: Specialized education, tutoring, or private school placements can add to the financial burden.
3. Coping Strategies and Support
Families can manage these challenges with appropriate support systems:
- Seeking support groups or counseling for emotional resilience.
- Accessing government programs, grants, and financial aid.
- Advocating for inclusive policies and accommodations in schools and communities.
- Building a network of friends, family, and professionals for practical and emotional support.
Every family's experience is unique, and understanding their specific needs is crucial for providing meaningful support.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Empowering Families: Building Support for Children with Disabilities
Room 124
Families raising a child with disabilities often face unique challenges that can affect their emotional, financial, and social well-being. These challenges vary depending on the nature of the disability, the family's resources, and their access to support. We will explore difficulties families face along with community resources that can help.
