Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate how the extent of acceptance of disability and awareness and understanding of disability by grandparents of children with disabilities was related to acceptance by parents. Grandparents and parents in 420 families with children with disabilities were asked to complete a questionnaire. Responses were received from 119 grandmothers, 56 grandfathers, 209 mothers, and 156 fathers. Results indicated the possibility that there is a mutual relationship within families among grandmothers, grandfathers, mothers, and fathers with regard to the extent of acceptance. It was also found that grandparents’ knowledge of the name of the disability was an important factor related to mothers’ positive attitude. In addition, grandmothers’ recognition that the disability would remain as their grandchild grew up and that the cause of the disability“ could not be helped” was related to acceptance among parents. Furthermore, although no relationship was confirmed between the type of disability and acceptance by grandparents and fathers, results showed that acceptance by mothers of children with Down’s syndrome was greater than that by mothers of children with developmental or physical disabilities.
