Supporting caregivers of children with disabilities

I recently came across a post on LinkedIn by Farida Bedwei that shone a spotlight on the struggles of mothers caring for children with disabilities, especially when fathers leave after the diagnosis. 

These single mothers often find it nearly impossible to find reliable childcare, which forces them to leave their jobs.

In many cases, that becomes a lifelong reality, with the children needing full-time care indefinitely. 

Farida has introduced a promising solution by connecting these mothers with training to become locticians.

This initiative helps them earn income while working from home and avoiding overhead costs, a practical way to achieve financial sustainability and empowerment.

Seeing this made me reflect on what each of us can do to support these families within our own spheres, whether as family members, neighbours, church communities, fellow citizens, etc.

Our empathy and assistance can significantly ease the emotional and mental burden that primary caregivers shoulder every day, while letting them know they are loved and not alone.

Support

One of the most meaningful ways we can offer support is through the language we use when speaking about their children.

By engaging in a strength-based approach, celebrating what these children can do rather than pointing out limitations, we validate their worth and dignity.

This shift in perspective aligns with broader allied health practices, such as speech and language therapy, which now emphasise ability and resilience over deficit-focused narratives.

Church and faith-based communities play a vital role.

Beyond monetary aid, they must actively build inclusive spaces so families don’t feel judged or excluded.

Far too often, children with disabilities are still viewed through a lens of demon possession or curses. 

They are seen as needing exorcism instead of acceptance.

In Ghana (as in other parts of Africa), many still attribute disabilities to witchcraft or spiritual curses, sending children to prayer camps for “deliverance”.

This is deeply hurtful. Churches can and should challenge these harmful beliefs by teaching that all children are beloved creations of God and deserve genuine inclusion. 

They can provide training and resources to Sunday School teachers and volunteers, educate congregations to counter stigma and ensure the church is truly a sanctuary for every child. 
Practical support can also make a big difference.

Offering to babysit for a few hours so mothers can attend weddings, funerals, or simply take a break to reconnect with friends and family offers emotional relief and social connection, moments that can feel impossible for full-time caregivers to experience.

Advocate

We can also advocate systemic changes.

In education, shifting toward genuine inclusion means offering mainstream schools special education teachers, speech and occupational therapists and accessible facilities, among other resources.

At the same time, resourcing special schools adequately is essential. 

In health care, expanding access to neuropaediatricians and allied health professionals locally, so families don’t have to travel far and wide, will help to drastically reduce stress and improve care outcomes.

As the African proverb reminds us, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

Every one of us has a role to play in empowering and caring for families of children with disabilities.

I hope this write-up sparks reflection and inspires action in our own communities.

The writer is a Speech and Language Therapist,
University of Ghana.