Raising Children with a Developmental Disability: Ghanaian-Canadian Parents Shed Insight

Using hermeneutical phenomenology, this study attempts to answer the question: How do Ghanaian-Canadian parents of children with developmental disabilities understand their child’s disabilities, and what experiences inform this? By interviewing six Ghanaian-Canadian parents of children with developmental disabilities through semi-structured interviews, it was determined that these parents understood disability broadly. Their understandings were influenced by childhood and post-migration experiences. These experiences were marked by stigma, stress, frustration and joy. Subsequently, the experience of having a child with a developmental disability inspired faith and allowed parents to see their own strengths and abilities in reconceptualizing disability. This research has pointed to broader systemic issues when children are transitioning out of the educational system and the lack of resources to support parents. In spite of strides being made to create awareness, attitudes towards persons with disabilities and their caregivers continues to be a concern for parents. Social workers and the research communities are encouraged to form alliances with minority groups to promote awareness and address barriers that continue to limit these parents and their children’s participation in Canadian society.