Becoming a parent if you have a disability

If you are planning to become a parent or take on parenting responsibilities, you may feel you need extra support to look after your child. This could be help at home, equipment or help with 'everyday' things like visiting your child's school.

Find out about local support groups

You may find it useful to talk to other parents who have children with disabilities. There are a number of organisations and charities that offer support groups.

Some charities and organisations offer support for people with specific impairments or needs. They may be able to advise if there are any similar parents locally or if there are other support groups that exist.

Caring can sometimes be lonely, but there are ways to make contact with other carers - either by telephone, the internet or a carer's group.

Your local Health and Social Care (HSC) trust may run support groups for carers and for children, young people and families. You can find out more about these and support groups for parents of disabled children on the following nidirect pages.

Having a baby and health issues

It is important to have access to information and the right maternity services, which take into account a mother's medical condition and/or disability.

You could start by talking through any issues with your doctor. Things to discuss could include:

planning a pregnancy and conception
how a particular disability and/or medical condition could affect pregnancy and birth, including issues like taking medication while breast-feeding
scans and tests
post-birth health support for you and your child

Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or consultant.

Your local doctor (GP)

Parenting classes

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) covers many areas of everyday life, including access to goods and services. Classes for parents-to-be should make 'reasonable adjustments' to make them accessible to all people. Reasonable adjustments could include:

using a pen and notepad to communicate with you if you are deaf or hearing impaired and/or providing induction loops in a certain room
holding the class in an accessible location - to avoid stairs, for example - for parents with a physically disability
arranging for someone to explain more simply what is being said at the class for a person with a learning disability

Let the organisers of classes know of any requirements you have before you attend for the first time.

Having a child and the effect on your benefits

If you receive Disability Living Allowance and your care needs change as a result of your parenting role, you should contact the Disability and Carers Service. A decision-maker will then be able to consider whether your change in circumstances affects the rate of Disability Living Allowance you should receive.