Having a child with disability (CWD) gives rise to implications for the parents. Social and
psychological challenges are known factors, together with financial constraints and
employment issues, which increase the risk of poverty. Therefore, the aim of this study was to
explore parents’ perception of and how their lives have been impacted by having a CWD. The
methods consisted of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with parents of
CWD specifically in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The ecological theory structured the analysis
and used the concepts of stigma, marginalization and normalization to understand parents’
perceptions. Challenges described by parents were lack of governmental support, insufficient
public services, the burden of care and financial issues. Opinions and reactions from society
were stigmatizing and resulted in strained relationships with neighbors, friends and relatives.
The feelings involved were worry and sorrows, but also hope, love and happiness. The found
coping strategies were mainly to strive for public services and sufficient income, in
combination with acceptance, retaining hope and turning to God. The study concluded that
even if the parents were not impaired themselves, their experiences were many times similar
to that of a person with disabilities.