Parents play a fundamental role in the lives of their children. From birth, children rely on their parents for protection, care, sustenance, love, and support. Parents also provide emotional safety and help form the identity and self-esteem of their children. June is internationally recognized as Parenting Month and takes on special significance when we highlight the crucial role parents and caregivers play in raising children, especially those with disabilities. Parenting Month celebrates the dedication, love, and hard work of parents around the globe.
The Action Foundation is at the forefront of promoting inclusive play, supporting fathers of children with disabilities, and empowering caregivers through education and resources.
Inclusive Play Day
One of the notable events of Parenting Month organized by The Action Foundation was the Inclusive Play Day, held on June 11th, the inaugural International Day of Play. The event brought together children with and without disabilities and their parents and caregivers to engage in fun activities that fostered inclusion and promoted understanding. Children, caregivers, and The Action Foundation team enjoyed a fun-filled day of activities that brought smiles to everyone’s faces. From face painting and dancing to bouncing castles, hula hooping, volleyball, and playing in the ball pit, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
The Action Foundation Inclusive Play day Event at Dagoretti Special School
This special day highlighted the importance of inclusive play, ensuring that every child and caregiver had the chance to participate in the joy and excitement.
In a world where children with disabilities are often marginalized, events like the Inclusive Play Day provide an opportunity for families to come together, share experiences, and build a supportive community. Through play, children learn valuable social skills, empathy, and acceptance, contributing to a more inclusive society. Watch the Inclusive Play Day Video
Father’s Day
The impact of a father’s involvement extends beyond childhood. It influences a child’s ability to form healthy relationships and achieve career success in adulthood. Fathers are role models, shaping their children’s understanding of gender roles and behaviors.
The Action Foundation hosted a Father’s Day event dedicated to celebrating and supporting fathers navigating the challenges and joys of parenting a child with a disability. The event acknowledged the fathers’ unique experiences and provided a platform for them to connect, share stories, and offer each other valuable support. By validating the role of fathers in caregiving, The Action Foundation helps break stereotypes and promotes a more inclusive view of parenting.
Team building exercise during The Action Foundation 2024 Father’s Day Event
CARE Conference
Caregivers play a critical role in the development and well-being of individuals. They provide essential assistance with daily activities, medical care, and emotional support, helping individuals manage their health and well-being. They also offer stability, love, and guidance, essential for building trust and a sense of security.
Caregivers play a vital role in the lives of children with disabilities, providing the necessary support and care that enable these children to thrive. Their involvement goes beyond basic care, encompassing medical, emotional, and educational support tailored to each child’s unique needs. Caregivers often become advocates for their children, ensuring they have access to the appropriate therapies, medical treatments, and educational opportunities. This advocacy is crucial for navigating complex healthcare and educational systems, and it helps secure the resources and accommodations necessary for the child’s development and well-being.
As part of our commitment to empowering caregivers, The Action Foundation is organizing the Inaugural CARE (Caregiver Awareness Resource and Empowerment) Conference in the first week of July. Themed “Lived Experiences of Caregivers of Children with Disabilities: Nurturing Care, Representation, Voice, Agency, and Grassroots Advocacy.” the Conference will bring together caregivers of children with disabilities to provide them with access to valuable resources, information, and support networks. Caregiving can be a challenging and isolating experience, and the CARE Conference aims to address these challenges by equipping caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need to provide the best possible care for their children. Through workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities, caregivers will gain valuable insights and connections that can positively impact their and their children’s lives.
Celebrating Parenting Month is not just about recognizing parents’ and caregivers’ dedication and hard work but also about highlighting the importance of inclusivity, support, and empowerment within families of children with disabilities. Events like the Inclusive Play Day, Father’s Day celebrations, and the upcoming CARE Conference by The Action Foundation are crucial platforms for fostering understanding, building communities, and providing caregivers with the resources they need to support their children effectively. By acknowledging the role of parents and caregivers, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive society where every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
Read our blog published by the Global Initiative to Support Parents for additional information on our Parent Support Approach.