Religion and Faith: A Coping Strategy for Parenting Children with Visual Impairment in Ghana

Abstract

The potential role that religion may play in supporting parents of children with visual impairment (VI) has been little explored in the literature. This study focused on the perceptions of mothers on the contribution religion and faith to raising children with VI in Ghana. Twenty mothers of children with VI were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. While mothers faced negative attitudes and limited support from the state, their membership of religious bodies helped them adjust to caring for children with VI. The need for policymakers to consider partnering with religious bodies to develop appropriate social programmes for children with VI and their families is discussed.