Seven mothers developed innovative new strategies and assistive devices using local cheap or free materials. Being able to do this made them excited and proud. For example, one of the mothers Madhuri, demonstrated her ingenuity when she made a parallel bar with leftover bamboo sticks from the building of her house; this ensured that her child could practice walking. She was very proud that she did not spend any money but could make a useful therapeutic assistive device that ‘worked’ and enriched her child’s development. 

University of North Texas

Most mothers provided basic physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy for their children. Out of 28 mothers, 16 received rehabilitative training from the CRP pediatric unit through a two-week course tailored to their child’s needs. They were trained in tasks like seizure management, using urinary catheters, administering medications, and utilizing assistive devices.

Many Roles of Mothers

Malek, F., King, J., & Edward, N. (2026). Warrior mothers: lived experiences of Bangladeshi mothers of children with physical disability. Disability & Society, 41(3), 698–719. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2025.2564959 

Warrior mothers: lived experiences of Bangladeshi mothers of children with physical disability

Research findings suggest that there is another part of the story. A qualitative research conducted in Pakistan examined a Pakistani society where mothers had restrictions to move freely outside of their home and decision making; caring for a child with disability allowed them to have outside exposure. The Pakistani mothers reported that they were able to participate in decisions regarding their child’s treatment, movement and education, and these experiences contributed to them feeling empowered.

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