Meet the Fathers (Contact a Family)

Having a disabled child affects all members of a family. Mothers and fathers can sometimes react in different ways to the news that their child has a disability or medical condition. As a father of a disabled child, you may find your partner or other members of the family looking to you for support at a time when you have to adapt to a new and sometimes difficult set of circumstances.

A dad's role is a mixed one. Many dad's stress the fact that they need to be the breadwinner particularly because of the extra costs of caring for a disabled child, but that this can mean being absent from meetings or from carrying out much of the day-to-day care of their child. Service providers often presume, wrongly, that fathers who are not seen at meetings are not doing anything. As a dad you may feel you have a dual role; you may need to offer support but also provide the practical help that is needed.

Like all parents, when you find out your child has a disability the first thing you look for is information. Many fathers feel this is the most important issue - but have learnt that it is vital not to forget the child in their search for information.

You might find it helpful to get information from others who have been in the same situation. A support group or national organisation which specialises in a particular condition might be a good place to start. Contact a Family can help you with this.

For confidential advice and information on any issue ring our helpline.

Tel: 0808 808 3555
Textphone: 0808 808 3556 e-mail: helpline@cafamily.org.uk

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[cafamily]

Know your rights with your employer.

[cafamily]

Don't brush disability under the carpet.

[cafamily]

It's hard to tell others about disability and why should we? It's best to let the child explain themselves.

[cafamily]

Realise the potential of your child.

[cafamily]

Be proud.

[cafamily]

Be strong and resolute for your wife - be a shoulder to cry on.

[clazza01]

those children are bloody wonderful!! makes me proud to be british when i see this family

my son is blind and autistic and i have no support

[cafamily]

Demand time off.