Parenting with a Disability with Alesha Thomas from Adaptive Parent Project

Perinatal Wellbeing - The Podcast about Prenatal, Pregnancy & Postpartum Health

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On today’s episode we have Alesha Thomas from Adaptive Parent Project talking about parenting with a disability. Adaptive Parent Project is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering parents with disabilities. Alesha is currently working on a provider list of healthcare providers that have experience working with people with disabilities in California. Alesha is also gathering provider information for worldwide healthcare providers. Alesha is a parent to 4-year-old Nolan and lives in California with her family. Alesha lives with Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia and works to advocate for more inclusion for disabled parents in terms of healthcare access and in parenting spaces. Alesha shares adaptive techniques on Youtube and Instagram for parents with disabilities.

Highlights:

2:14 - Alesha’s story and Adaptive Parent Project

9:05 - Going into pregnancy/parenthood with a disability

21:13 - Supports postpartum

24:23 - Challenges parenting with a disability

32:45 - Advocating for myself and my son

35:41 - What positive qualities do you bring into parenting?

39:31 - Challenges with parenting kids as they grow and are more mobile

46:48 - Parenting a child with a disability

51:50 - Stigma and ableism around parenting with a disability

58:10 - What do you want to see change? Universal accessibility and inclusivity

Resources:

You can find Alesha and Adaptive Parent project at https://www.adaptiveparentproject.org and on Instagram @adaptiveparentproject.

Check out their Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@AdaptiveParentProject/featured

You can purchase the colouring book by Adaptive Parent Project called the ABC’s of Disability on Amazon or their website! https://www.adaptiveparentproject.org/shop or https://www.amazon.ca/Adaptive-Parent-Project-Presents-DISABILITY/dp/B0C2TBB55L/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1VK2P39LN8WNB&keywords=abcs+of+disability&qid=1683477975&sprefix=abcs+of+disability%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-2

Here are the books and Instagram accounts that Alesha recommended:

Instagram:

@wheelchair_rapunzel

Documentary Film “Dani’s Twins” https://www.danistwinsfilm.com

Books:

“We’ve got This: Essays by Disabled Parents” by Eliza Hull

“Come over to My House” by Eliza Hull
In the United States, Alesha recommends checking out your county’s website or local hotline for supports.

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email [e-mail]. Check out the website for our latest programs including group therapy, individual therapy and peer support.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at [e-mail] and I can help you find support in your area or online.

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com .

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