Exploring Three Mothers’ Perceptions and Lived Experiences of Caring for and Educating their Disabled Child in Trinidad and Tobago

This research aimed to increase one’s understanding of caring for and educating disabled children in Trinidad and Tobago. A qualitative analysis of the narratives of three mothers was conducted using in-depth interviews. The data were coded into themes and the models of disability were used as a basis of analysis. Four key issues emerged from the findings in response to the research questions: (1) mothers experienced psychological pressures upon diagnosis of their child’s disability as well as a sense of joy and fulfillment while raising their disabled child; (2) mothers’ initial perceptions of disability followed a charitable view and shifted towards a more social perspective; (3) mothers perceived themselves as the “owners” of their children and their disability which justified their willingness to assume lifelong, intense, caregiving roles; and (4) mothers perceive the government as inefficient in providing for educational and other social needs of disabled children. The research design allowed the participants to share their views, beliefs, and personal reflections on their parenting journey. The study confirmed that mothers require additional support in caring for and educating their disabled children, which can be achieved through increased understanding of their lived experiences. By aligning more towards the bio-psycho-social model of disability, the government, society, families, and mothers themselves can gain more knowledge on enhancing the quality of care for disabled children and their primary caregivers. The key recommendation is for the government to implement legislation, effectively addressing the need for interventional social support services at the diagnosis stage, equal access to formal schooling, and eventual employment opportunities for disabled persons which would serve to reduce the psychological burden of mothers. A greater response by the government can also address the stigma that disabled children and their caregivers face, with the ultimate goal of creating a more inclusive society and appreciation for the work mothers do. Further research on mothers’ lived experiences using a larger and more diverse population size may reveal additional information to further increase the understanding of disability in Trinidad and Tobago