RAISING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITY; SUPPORT NEEDS AND COPING MECHANISM (CASE STUDY OF WAH CANTT)

Abstract

This research examines the parent's way of raising a child with a disability, the support they need and the way they cope with challenges. The study describes the positive and negative behaviors of society towards parents and the disability of their child. The research was qualitative by nature and the universe was Wah Cantt, Rawalpindi. The total sample of the study was fifteen (15) respondents. The inclusive criteria of selection of respondents were the parents of disabled children. The snowball sampling technique was chosen to conduct an interview with respondents. The variables were divided into themes and sub-themes and the semi-structured interviews were written down according to the themes and sub-themes. The theory used by the researcher was the resiliency model of family stress, adjustment and adaptation, which was given by McCubbin and Partners. The theory stated that every family in society has some of the issues which need to be addressed. In many families, there are many issues either personal or social. Families are trying to settle down these issues and normalize the state of life. The data was analyzed through themes and subthemes. The findings of the research showed that parents who have a child with a disability, they can cope better if they receive greater support from family and society. Many people in society stigmatize the parents and the parents try to normalize the issues.

Key words: Children, Disability, Support, Parents, Coping Mechanism,

Wah Cantt, Pakistan.