What Keeps Me Going? Lived Experiences of Parents Having Children with Disabilities

Raising a kid with a handicap is a path defined by love, sacrifice, and sometimes great hardship. This qualitative phenomenology study investigates the lived experiences of parents in Banaybanay District, Davao Oriental, caring for children with disabilities. Rooted in Resilience Theory (Masten, 1994; Masten, Best, & Garmezy, 1990), the study concentrated on how parents of children with disabilities confront difficulties, adjust to obstacles, and undergo developmental results. Ten parents from both mainstream and special needs schooling programs were chosen using purposive sampling techniques such as in-depth, open-ended interviews that let people think carefully about their path-acquired data. Thematic analysis identified three important areas: developmental outcomes, adaptation strategies, and challenges. Parents reported daily care load, behavioral problems, medical issues, educational obstacles, and financial struggle under adversity. Emotional control, patience, faith, social support, and outside support were included in the adaptation processes. Parents said that despite their challenges, major developmental results included personal development, closer relationships, and better coping techniques. The results guide future policies and programs by implying the possibility for mediation analysis and the application of recognized themes as variables in statistical studies. Most significantly, our work provides a platform for these parents' voices to be heard, appreciated, and better understood.