A Study on the Challenges Faced by Parents of Differently Abled Children in West Bengal

Abstract Special needs parenting refers to the specific approach and strategies that parents apply to support and care for a child who is differently abled. These children face physical, emotional or learning difficulties that require tailored accommodations, therapies and educational plans. Parents face unique challenges in providing for the needs of such children. Parenting children with special needs often requires additional skills, education, resources (material and non-material) and support (from one and all) to effectively cater to the specific needs of the child. Government support, empathy and understanding from social institutions can help in the development of an inclusive society. The objectives of the current study were to understand the psycho-social, economic and treatment related challenges faced by parents of differently abled children of West Bengal. Social exclusion, poor treatment facilities, financial difficulties, inaccessible transportation facilities, lack of awareness about government schemes and programmes, concern about the future of the child and his/her lifelong dependency were some of the challenges faced by the respondents. Working mothers faced difficulties in continuing with their jobs while fathers lost wages and declined promotions. Proper implementation and revision of existing policies and programmes, awareness generation about government benefits, availability of diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation services within easy reach were identified as needs by the respondents. Keywords: Differently abled children, Parents, Challenges