press release, 15 June 2011
Two thirds disabled parents dissatisfied with parenting support
15 June 2011 - for immediate release
Attention: national press and editors in maternity, parenting, and disability services and organisations.
Two thirds of disabled parents (67%) feel they received unsatisfactory support as parents and more than half (53%) are unhappy with the support they received during pregnancy and birth, according to early findings from a survey being conducted by Disability, Pregnancy and Parenthood International (DPPI). Levels of satisfaction with social services are particularly low, with three quarters of disabled parents (73%) unhappy with the support received.
Enquiries to DPPI's helpline support these findings that it is a common problem for disabled parents to find their needs are not considered appropriately when they approach health and social care professionals.
Many of the concerns highlighted in the survey are ones that any new parent-to-be may have - practical baby care concerns, how they would cope with fatigue and routines, and accessing schools to support their children's education. But solutions need to be adapted for disabled parents, and many respondents felt they were not getting enough support from health and social care professionals to do this.
Reporting on her experience of health professionals, one disabled parent said,
“People meant well, but were often too busy either being amazed at what I could do, or dismissive and expecting me to fail”
In relation to accessing social care support, a parent with multiple sclerosis commented,
“The first time I was ill and unable to look after myself or my daughter I had no diagnosis so social care weren't interested. But when I was assessed the social worker chose to brush aside and minimise what my daughter was doing for me and what a sudden shift it was for us as a small family unit - one day, fine; the next day unable to see properly, unable to walk properly or use my left arm and hand. There was no support given. It seemed to be considered to be fine that we were living on pot noodles and the house was getting dirtier and more and more chaotic. No recognition, no services, no suggestions, nothing. I got told they would keep my case open, then received a letter a month later saying it was closed. ”
In some cases, requests for further help were met with negative attitudes. Problems reported include threats of child protection proceedings, withdrawal of services, prejudicial attitudes, and a lack of information about entitlements.
When it comes to health care services, responses to the survey indicate that many health professionals want to help but lack general disability awareness as well as specific knowledge relevant to particular impairments and pregnancy/ birth. Most health and social care professionals (93%) said they want more training on working with disabled parents.
DPPI is still taking submissions to the online questionnaire, which can be accessed at www.dppi.org/uk/survey.php. The aim is to record the experience of the broadest range of disabled parents, including those who haven't used our services, as well as to ascertain what information and support people have received or would like to receive on pregnancy, birth and parenting.
Notes
To complete the online questionnaire go to: www.dppi.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 018 4730, or info@dppi.org.uk
For more information, contact DPPI on 0800 018 4730 or email info@dppi.org.uk
.ENDS