Abstract of A. Sandler-Loeff lecture

A. Sandler-Loeff

PARENTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE PARENTS WITH ABILITIES

A. Sandler-Loeff1, S. Kaminsky2, D. Cameo3, L. Orlev4, L. Dagan-

Swissa5, H. Shvoron2

1 JDC Israel; 2 Beit Issie Shapiro, Israel; 3 Mifras BaGalil; 4 Institute for

Advancement of the Deaf, Israel

48% of disabled adults in Israel are parents of children under the age

of 18, and more than two-thirds have moderate or severe disabilities.

Parents with disabilities must cope with various parental issues on a

daily basis. Most of them must deal with social stigmas and explain

their disability to their children in a constructive way. "The Family as a

Unit for Supporting Independent Living in the Community" was

developed by JDC-Israel, Beit Issie Shapiro, Mifras Bagalil and the

Institute for the Advancement of Deaf Persons in Israel. The program

focused on strengthening parental abilities and included pilots on

training courses for parents with disabilities. Today the program will be

further developed by Israel Unlimited and will be adopted by the

government ministries. During the session we will share the "know

how" from the training courses for parents with different kinds of

disabilities and from "Mother to Mother" - experienced mothers with

disabilities mentor new mothers. The Session will include the

Following: 1. Background and overview of Research 2. A discussion

between parents and professionals regarding: Parents with Disabilities

–unique challenges beginning with pregnancy, after childbirth, and for

parents of school-aged children, and evaluation results of some of the

projects. Parents of Adult Children with Disabilities – A large number

of young adults remain in their parents' homes without employment or

suitable social contacts. Parents sometimes feel helpless or overprotective

towards their children. Directions for interventions

contribution to the families, based on the projects, will be presented.