Parenting with a Disability

Man with tattooed arm holding a sleeping baby wrapped in a blanket, woman smiling behind him

“Becoming a dad is one thing—being a dad is many things” – Steve Chapman

This new chapter in my life began in 2026, when my wife and I welcome twin boys into this world. Parenting with a disability is an experience unlike any other. This collection of blog posts documents my personal experiences, self reflections, and parenting resources. I hope that my writings are able to help you as much as they have helped me. Thank you for following my journey!

Reflecting on My First Month as a Disabled Dad, Part 1

The author reflects on the emotional whirlwind of welcoming twin boys, Brody and Bennett, born prematurely at 34 weeks. The post details the chaotic yet joyful experience of their birth, the challenges faced in the NICU, and the author’s journey through parenthood, disability, and the deep bond forming with his sons during this time.

by Josh Keller

Reflecting on My First Month as a Disabled Dad, Part 2

Josh and his wife celebrate one month since the arrival of their twin boys, reflecting on the challenges of early parenthood and disability. After emotional hospital experiences, including Kass’s post-surgery recovery, they navigate life with their newborns in a Special Care Nursery. They anticipate their transition home, filled with mixed emotions.

by Josh Keller

Reflecting on My First Month as a Disabled Dad, Part 3

Part 3: Days 12-30 Kass and I stood there for probably half an hour, in awe that we were finally home with our newborns. They had slept during the short car ride home and were still zonked-out in their car seat seats, so Kass carefully picked each boy up and placed them side-by-side in the…

by Josh Keller
Parenting Resources (from my Resources Page)

Parenting with a Disability

  1. Through the Looking Glass https://lookingglass.org
  2. Disabled Parenting Project https://disabledparenting.com
  3. National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities https://heller.brandeis.edu/parents-with-disabilities/
  4. United Spinal Association Virtual Support Group: Rolling Through Parenthood https://unitedspinal.org/events/rolling-through-parenthood/
  5. Gertie Crib: Wheelchair Accessible Cribs https://www.gertiecribs.com
  6. New Mobility Magazine
  7. National Council on Disability Disabled Parenting Toolkit https://www.ncd.gov/report/disabled-parenting-toolkit/
  8. New England Doula Support (overnight care to help my wife and I) https://nedoulasupport.com

Male Fertility

  1. New Mobility Magazine
  2. Peer-Reviewed Sources
    • Sinha, V., Elliott, S., Ibrahim, E., Lynne, C. M., & Brackett, N. L. (2017). Reproductive Health of Men with Spinal Cord Injury. Topics in spinal cord injury rehabilitation, 23(1), 31–41. https://doi.org/10.1310/sci2301-31
    • Zizzo, J., Gater, D. R., Hough, S., & Ibrahim, E. (2022). Sexuality, Intimacy, and Reproductive Health after Spinal Cord Injury. Journal of personalized medicine, 12(12), 1985. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12121985
  3. Books, Manuals, and Amateur Guides
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