From emotional crisis to empowerment : The journey of two mothers

Journal article

Cain, Melissa and Fanshawe, Melissa. (2021). From emotional crisis to empowerment : The journey of two mothers. Infants and Young Children: an interdisciplinary journal of special care practices. 34(3), pp. 225-240. https://doi.org/10.1097/IYC.0000000000000194
AuthorsCain, Melissa and Fanshawe, Melissa
Abstract

This article presents the experiences of 2 mothers whose children were born blind. It relates their journey moving from the grief experienced when presented with the unexpected challenges of supporting a child with special needs to a position of empowerment after gaining the necessary knowledge and skills to integrate into their new and reimagined lives. This research addresses the following question: “What is the role of Early Intervention Specialists (EISs) in supporting parents of children with unexpected congenital blindness?” Using case study methodology, the authors interviewed 2 mothers in Australia, when their children were aged 5 years and again 5 years later to gather a longitudinal understanding of their interactions with EISs. These narratives underscore the critical importance of the specialized knowledge EISs provide in empowering caregivers to take control of their child's therapy needs and advocate for their full participation within educational contexts and the community.

Keywordsblindness; early intervention; empowerment; parent-implemented intervention; vision impairment
Year2021
JournalInfants and Young Children: an interdisciplinary journal of special care practices
Journal citation34 (3), pp. 225-240
PublisherLippincott Williams & Wilkins
ISSN0896-3746
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1097/IYC.0000000000000194
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85107521080
Research or scholarlyResearch
Page range225-240
Publisher's version
License
All rights reserved
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
OnlineJul 2021
Publication process dates
Deposited05 Aug 2021
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