Fatherhood and disability: adaptation and redefinition of social roles

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Being a father is no easy task, but Danny Berney, 32, demonstrates every day that love can overcome any barrier. A resident of Leamington Spa, England, he lives with cerebral palsy on the left side of his body and has taken on the routine of being a full-time father to his 11-month-old baby. To inspire others, Danny has been sharing videos on TikTok that have already racked up hundreds of views, showcasing the challenges and joys of fatherhood.

In his posts, "The CPDad," as he's become known online, humorously and realistically demonstrates how he adapts his home to care for his son. From navigating stairs safely to changing diapers, he naturally shares his routine to show that it's possible to find solutions to everyday challenges.

Before taking on this role, Danny revealed to BBC CWR that he faced many internal struggles and questions. He and his partner decided to reverse traditional roles: while many expect the man to be the breadwinner and the woman to stay home, they opted for a different model—him as the primary caregiver for their son.

In addition to his fatherhood videos, Danny also maintains a sports channel on Instagram, encouraging other people with disabilities to stay active. For him, sharing his story is a way to break down prejudices, inspire families, and show that being a father goes far beyond the standards imposed by society.

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British man Danny Berney, 32, represents an emblematic case of redefining family roles in the face of a physical disability. Diagnosed with left hemiparetic cerebral palsy, Berney assumed the role of primary caregiver for his 11-month-old son, while his partner continued her professional work. This decision challenges the sociocultural paradigm that historically attributes men as breadwinners and women as homemakers.

Through his social media presence, particularly on TikTok under the name "The CPDad," Berney promotes strategies for adapting to activities of daily living (ADLs), such as hygiene, mobility, and infant care. He shares practical techniques to compensate for motor limitations, including the use of environmental adaptations for stair climbing, diaper changing, and managing architectural barriers in the home.

In an interview with BBC CWR, the father reported that he faced an intense process of self-acceptance and overcoming psychological barriers before solidifying his decision. The account reveals not only the personal dimension of the experience but also its collective impact on deconstructing stereotypes about masculinity, disability, and active fatherhood.

Concurrently, Berney maintains a sports channel on Instagram, where he proposes inclusive alternatives for adaptive physical activities. Thus, his work consolidates itself as an example of social empowerment, promoting both community engagement and the visibility of people with disabilities in care, education, and sports settings.

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Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr4e5z2r974o

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