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Exploring Participative Environments of Children with Learning and Physical Disabilities: Perspectives from Parents and Practitioners

Author

Listed:
  • Anu Kinnunen

    (Department of Master School, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, 70210 Kuopio, Finland)

  • Leena Holopainen

    (School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Eastern Finland, 80101 Joensuu, Finland)

Abstract

It is unclear how parents and professionals working together can create environments that enhance the functioning and participation of children with disabilities. This study investigates parents’ and practitioners’ conceptions of the environmental factors and collaboration that support the participation of children with learning and physical disabilities. The data were collected from children’s parents, therapists, and teachers ( N = 10) through focus group discussions. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis based on an inductive approach. Various physical, psychological, and social barriers, along with a lack of collaboration in the child’s environment, were found to prevent the child’s full participation. Linking children’s therapy to everyday activities and learning was found to be the best way to improve children’s functioning and participation in all the environments studied. Adult collaboration based on a child-oriented approach was perceived as essential for enhancing the children’s functioning and participation and for fostering inclusion in school and everyday life.

Suggested Citation

  • Anu Kinnunen & Leena Holopainen, 2025. "Exploring Participative Environments of Children with Learning and Physical Disabilities: Perspectives from Parents and Practitioners," Disabilities, MDPI, vol. 5(1), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jdisab:v:5:y:2025:i:1:p:27-:d:1609242
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Cahill, Helen & Dadvand, Babak, 2018. "Re-conceptualising youth participation: A framework to inform action," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 243-253.
    2. Anu Kinnunen & Ira Jeglinsky & Nea Vänskä & Krista Lehtonen & Salla Sipari, 2021. "The Importance of Collaboration in Pediatric Rehabilitation for the Construction of Participation: The Views of Parents and Professionals," Disabilities, MDPI, vol. 1(4), pages 1-12, November.
    3. Lorenzo Lippi & Alessandro de Sire & Arianna Folli & Alessio Turco & Stefano Moalli & Antonio Ammendolia & Antonio Maconi & Marco Invernizzi, 2022. "Environmental Factors in the Rehabilitation Framework: Role of the One Health Approach to Improve the Complex Management of Disability," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-13, November.
    4. Lin-Ju Kang & Ming-Chieh Hsieh & Hua-Fang Liao & Ai-Wen Hwang, 2017. "Environmental Barriers to Participation of Preschool Children with and without Physical Disabilities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-12, May.
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