Mothers With Disabilities Are Often Overlooked in Society

Mothers with Disabilities often face systemic discrimination rooted in ableist assumptions that undermine their parenting abilities. Despite legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act, child-removal rates remain alarmingly high for mothers with psychiatric or intellectual disabilities. Striving to remove these barriers is crucial to fostering vibrant, diverse, inclusive, accessible communities where all mothers can thrive without the stigma of perceived inadequacy.

Heather Watkins, a mother and disability rights advocate, experienced firsthand how inaccessible community spaces and schools excluded her from fully participating in her daughter’s life. From struggling to access seating at school sports events to navigating spaces without ramps, Heather’s story underscores the urgent need to remove physical and attitudinal barriers that limit mothers with disabilities.

Ellen Ladau, a mother with Larsen syndrome, faced unwarranted criticism and intrusive comments while raising her daughter Emily, who shares her disability. Despite the assumptions of strangers, Ellen remained a steadfast advocate for her daughter, demonstrating how mothers with disabilities often become experts in navigating an inaccessible world. Their experiences reveal the impact of systemic ableism and the pressing need for accessible community planning.

Building Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities requires recognizing the value of Mothers with Disabilities and ensuring they have equal access to community resources, respect, and support. This article powerfully illustrates how removing systemic ableism can transform community spaces, making them welcoming for all families.

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by: Fin Leary