(NC)—Six-month-old Simon gurgles with delight as his Mom lifts him above her head, then swoops him down until they are nose-to-nose. "This guy is so important that I have another calling in life now," says April Ferguson, 32, of Uxbridge, Ontario.

Ferguson is among a growing number of adults with disabilities choosing to become parents. In addition, there are able-bodied parents who, due to illness or injury, make the transition to being a parent with a disability.

"It's important for the public to know that people with disabilities are capable of having children and being wonderful parents," says Rita Mabrucco, social worker at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Canada's largest provider of adult rehabilitation services.

"With the right supports in place, people with disabilities can have a fulfilling experience and raise great children, just like anybody else," says Kimberly McKennitt of the Parenting with a Disability Network, a program of the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto.

Supports can range from adaptive equipment – such as side-opening cribs for use by parents in wheelchairs – to peer support programs and help with feeding, bathing or dressing young children.

April Ferguson sustained a brain injury in 1995 and was a patient at Toronto Rehab after being hit by a car. Her injury caused long-term physical weakness and a diminished ability to process information quickly and multi-task.

Caring for son Simon means being very organized about the support she needs. Her husband works from a home office so is nearby. A private company assists with laundry and some of Simon's care.

"Sometimes it takes me a little longer to do things and Simon has to wait. So patience, I'm hoping, will be one of his virtues."

For more information, visit www.torontorehab.com.

- News Canada