As infant mental health care providers we frequently serve parents with intellectual, developmental, physical and other disabilities, yet attention to the unique experiences of parents with disabilities, and resources to support this work, are often limited. This workshop aims to advance health equity and justice for this population by sharing research related to the experiences of parents with disabilities who are pregnant or have young children, and exploring strategies to support this population in the context of perinatal, infant and early childhood mental health work. The workshop will offer information about parenting with disabilities, current research, hands-on strategies and tools, and opportunities to reflect on practice using case vignettes.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the significance of recognizing disability during pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting to enhance care and outcomes.
2. Explore disparities in perinatal experiences and outcomes for parents with disabilities and their impact on individual and family well-being.
3. Discuss strategies for delivering inclusive, accessible, and supportive care to parents with disabilities throughout the perinatal period.
4. Identify how changing developmental needs of the child may impact parenting strengths and challenges
5. Identify parenting strengths and areas in need of support following case presentations.