Parents with disabilities face many challenges and can benefit from support and assistance. This page highlights relevant policy and social issues affecting disabled parents as well as the availability of needed treatment and services.
Disabled Parenting Project
Gives parents with disabilities an online network for sharing experiences, advice, and conversations, along with access to research, factsheets, and training resources to help address the issues of discrimination and disparities.
The Intersection of Child Welfare and Disability: Focus on Parents Fall 2013 (PDF - 1,380 KB)
University of Minnesota, Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (2013)
CW360: A Comprehensive Look at a Prevalent Child Welfare Issue
Examines the prevalence of parents with disabilities and mental illness within child welfare and what happens to these parents and their families as they receive services.
Parent-Centered Planning for Parents With Disabilities (PDF - 387 KB)
Lightfoot & DeZelar (2020)
Practice Notes, 36
Presents a new parent-centered model to help parents with disabilities plan for raising their children. The model includes four phases that help parents work with child welfare professionals to set long-term parenting goals and make steps toward achieving their goals.
Parenting With a Disability: Know Your Rights Toolkit (PDF - 1,012 KB)
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and the National Council on Disability (2016)
Provides a summary of disability laws that protect families' rights, along with information on adoption, custody, visitation, family law, and the child welfare system.
Parents With Disabilities in Child Welfare Agencies and Courts
ADA National Network (2016)
Gives data on parents with disabilities in the United States and the risks they face relating to the child welfare system as well as information about the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Parents With Intellectual Disability (PDF - 496 KB)
The Arc (2011)
Explains the rights of parents with disabilities and provides access to resources and information on the topic.
Resources for People With Disabilities
AdoptUS Kids (2017)
Provides a list of online resources and organizations related to adoption and custody that support parents with disabilities.
Social Security Disability Benefits Guide
The Simple Dollar (2017)
Provides information on how Social Security disability benefits work and how to qualify.
Supporting Parents With Disabilities and Their Families in the Community
National Council on Disability (2012)
Explores appropriate supports to help parents with disabilities and their families thrive.
Through the Looking Glass
Provides information, training, and consultation to parents with disabilities, family members, and professionals nationally and internationally.