Disability is no barrier

Anne and Michael* are a married couple who adopted a baby through early permanence. Ben* has a physical disability and is a full time wheelchair user.

Our adoption journey took around a year and a half from initial introduction session through to a little one arriving with us. Throughout the process Adopt North East were able to provide us with support and information to help us navigate not only the adoption journey but also our specific circumstances.

As a couple we knew early on we wanted to adopt a young child, baby really and so decided early permanence was the route for us.

During the assessment process the social worker completing our PAR (AAR) worked with us to consider what if any impact one of us having a physical disability would have on us, not only adopters but parents in general. We were given time to talk about it as a couple and reflect on any extra support we might need or how we might balance the need for looking after a little one with any care needs there were. It was good to consider the practicalities of how we would navigate situations like getting in and out of the car, feeding and changing the little one as well as playing as a family.

Considering how we would balance the care needs of the disabled parent and our new child alongside making sure the non-disabled parent wasn’t overloaded and burnt out was a really valuable experience and it meant when little one arrived we already had a plan in place. It hasn’t always been easy but because we had those conversations early with the support of Adopt North East we have been able to navigate the tricky times and become a really strong and stable family for our little one.

Throughout we never felt like having a disability would be a barrier and it was always considered from the view point of what help do we need and how can we be supported. As disability is a large part of our lives it felt natural it was a part of the assessment.

My advice to disabled people looking to adopt would be to be honest with what help and support you will need as once that is in place there is nothing to stop you being an amazing adopter and parent.

*Names have been changed