Challenges to Parenting Children with Disabilities: An Empirical Study in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Abstract

The biggest challenge for families with a child with a disability is the impact of the child’s condition on the family unit, which can be emotional, social, economic and psychological. In India, these burdens are amplified through social stigma, limited access to essential services and inadequate support systems. This study focuses on the experiences of parents in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, where disability prevalence is consistent with national trends. Major challenges include emotional strain, economic burden due to healthcare and education expenses, and social estrangement due to prejudice. It identifies holes in early intervention services, inclusive education, and social support networks. At the national level, the attendance of children with disabilities in educational institutions is only 62.9% (NSO 2018) and the situation in Odisha is even worse, thus there exist tremendous barriers to education. Economic pressures also put many parents in the position of balancing work against caregiving. The recommendations involve strengthening early intervention, improving inclusive education, providing financial assistance, and enhancing social support. And they also need capacitybuilding among healthcare and educational professionals, better access to assistive devices and stronger legal protections. This study seeks to guide policymakers and stakeholders in what reforms are needed to aid children with disabilities and their families in Bhubaneswar and beyond.