Navigating Parenthood and Academia: Voices of Graduate Students of Color with Children with Disabilities

• In Event: Embodying Collective Care and Holistic Educational Attainment of Graduate Student Mothers of Color in a Digital Society

Proposal

Relevance
This study explores the unique experiences of graduate student parents of color who have children with disabilities, with a particular focus on how they balance their academic, professional, and family commitments. The proposal aligns with the CIES 2025 Conference Theme, 'Envisioning Education in a Digital Society,' as digital tools and platforms have become the primary resources for parents to access support and information in their academic journeys. Moreover, the study directly responds to the goals of the CCEHP SIG by amplifying the voices of a population often unheard in educational research. This study emphasizes the importance of adopting more inclusive and equitable educational practices that address the diverse needs of all students, particularly those at intersections of race, disability, and parenthood.
Theoretical framework
This study is based on the concept of intersectionality, which explores how different social identities—such as race, disability, and parenthood—interact to shape unique experiences of both oppression and privilege (Crenshaw; 2013). Intersectionality offers a valuable perspective for examining how graduate student parents of color with children with disabilities manage the complexities of accessing resources within the university and the broader community.
Mode of Inquiry
This study uses a qualitative research approach, incorporating semi-structured interviews to explore the complex experiences of student parents of color. Five participants were recruited from a Midwest university across various disciplines, ensuring a diverse sample that represents a wide range of cultural backgrounds and experiences. The study is guided by the following research questions:
What are the experiences of graduate student parents with children with disabilities in balancing study/work and family commitments?
What resources are available to support graduate student parents with children with disabilities?
What additional support do student parents need that is not currently provided?
The data was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns related to the challenges faced and support needs of this population.
Findings
Preliminary findings reveal that student parents of color with children with disabilities face distinct challenges in balancing academic responsibilities, personal life, and parenting. While participants are somewhat aware of the university and community resources available to them, they primarily rely on friends, neighbors, and colleagues for information. These findings underscore the need for universities to enhance and more effectively target their outreach efforts to support this specific group of student parents.
Contribution
This research contributes to the limited body of literature on student parents of color with children with disabilities. By exploring their unique challenges and experiences, this study offers valuable insights into how the intersections of race, disability and parenthood shape graduate student experience. The findings will inform both theoretical discussions on intersectionality and digital equity, as well as practical recommendations for more inclusive education practices.

Authors

• Anara na Akhmetova, Michigan State University

• Zhamilya Yessirkepova, Michigan State University