Challenges and Determination: The Case of Palestinian Parents of Children With Disabilities

Abstract

This article explores, describes, and compares how Palestinian parents of children with disabilities articulate their major challenges and coping strategies and ways in which they adapt to daily routines to care for, support, and address the needs of their children. We held six focus groups, three in the West Bank, Palestine, and three inside Israel with a total sample of 43 participants. The major themes emerged from this study revealed that Palestinian parents in both regions are experiencing major challenges and barriers at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Despite these challenges, the vast majority of the parents appear to be attuned to their children’s special needs and use positive coping methods to deal with their daily stressors. Their coping strategies include religious coping, advocacy, and positive attitudes toward their children. The study findings also highlight the realities of the current sociopolitical context these parents face.