Building on previous research examining the challenges and accomplishments of
employed parents of young people with mental health disorders and other types of
disabilities, our project is focused on developing our understanding of the ways in which
these working caregivers manage to balance their work and family responsibilities.
After extensive use of focus groups and interviews to determine the most important
sources of stress and support for these parents, we have been able to secure access to
major national surveys to extend our studies, including the National Survey of Children’s
Health and the National Study of the Changing Workforce. Our research has been
guided by the participation of leaders in family support who have served as
collaborators and have shaped our project’s agenda.
Our current focus is on the discovery of relationships among key variables that were
included in the national surveys and include data from parents raising children requiring
exceptional care due to their health care needs or disabilities. Given these data we are
able to compare the responses of parents providing care for children with typical
development to parents caring for children with exceptional needs. Of particular interest
is the availability of supports that lessen the impact of children’s needs for exceptional
care, including health care arrangements, social supports, and community-based
supports. Additionally, we are particularly focused on the type of supports available
through the workplace for these employed parents. The Regional Research Institute
community research fund is supporting our ongoing efforts.
Work Life Integration and Disability: Research Gains and Supportive Initiatives
Work and Family Researchers Network Conference virtual workshop presentation, January 8, 2021.
Recording: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q-si_rw_rPq_eSY_9xQ583ftCxK4w7yb/view
Slides: https://wfrn.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/6.2.-Work-life-Integration-and-Disability-Slides.pdf