Supporting Ethnic Minority Families with Disabled Children: Learning from Pakistani Families

Abstract

Introduction: This article describes how an emancipatory research approach was used to explore the support needs of Pakistani families with disabled children in the United Kingdom. These families are among the most disadvantaged in the United Kingdom and research indicates that their needs tend to remain unmet through current services. Method: A participatory action research study was undertaken with six families. After an exploratory phase of individual interviews and activities, three action research groups were formed for women, men and non-disabled siblings respectively, in which they engaged in their own research activities. This increased their insight into their situation and enabled them to gain more control. Findings: The study highlights the importance of family-centred practice when working with ethnic minority families. Key issues are continuity of intervention between school and home settings, facilitating communication within and with the family, and ensuring peer support for parents and siblings. An occupational science perspective indicates that a lack of belonging in their community affects the families' wellbeing, and that faith is an important, mostly positive, aspect of their sense of being. Conclusion: The study affirms the importance of a family-centred and occupation-centred approach when working with families from diverse ethnic minority backgrounds.