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Inclusion as a Facilitator of Social and Physical Activity for People with Physical Disabilities

Author

Listed:
  • Kayla Korolek

    (School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Human and Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada)

  • Kirsten Ward

    (School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Human and Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada
    Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada)

  • Heather Lamb

    (Spinal Cord Injury BC, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B8, Canada)

  • Christopher B. McBride

    (Spinal Cord Injury BC, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B8, Canada)

  • Katherine Bailey

    (School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Human and Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada)

  • Chelsea Pelletier

    (School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Human and Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the perceived relationship between inclusion and participation in social and physical activities for people with physical disabilities. In partnership with a local disability-focused non-profit organization, we completed semi-structured interviews with 12 individuals with physical disabilities. Interview transcripts were analysed using an inductive thematic approach considering the social–ecological model and quality participation framework for people with disabilities. We developed three themes to describe the relationship between inclusion and participation in social and physical activities: physical accessibility of spaces and places, advocates are needed to share knowledge, and social inclusion and social/physical activities influence each other. Participants discussed the facilitating role of social inclusion on physical and social activities and the bi-directional relationship between inclusion and community participation. Fostering social inclusion through increased accessibility, education, and awareness at the community or program level can facilitate full community participation for people with physical disabilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Kayla Korolek & Kirsten Ward & Heather Lamb & Christopher B. McBride & Katherine Bailey & Chelsea Pelletier, 2025. "Inclusion as a Facilitator of Social and Physical Activity for People with Physical Disabilities," Disabilities, MDPI, vol. 5(3), pages 1-14, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jdisab:v:5:y:2025:i:3:p:78-:d:1747571
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alanna Koopmans & Chelsea Pelletier, 2022. "Physical Activity Experiences of People with Multiple Sclerosis during the COVID-19 Pandemic," Disabilities, MDPI, vol. 2(1), pages 1-15, January.
    2. Samuel Turcotte & Sirine Kheroua & Gloria Brun & Laura Gagnon & Nora Bustamante & Angéline Labbé & Pascale Simard & Megan Veilleux & Mia Lapointe & Manh Hung Nguyen & Mélanie Levasseur, 2025. "Barriers and Facilitators to the Social Participation of Individuals Aging with a Long-Term Neurological Disability: A Scoping Review," Disabilities, MDPI, vol. 5(2), pages 1-26, May.
    3. Rachel A. Kennedy & Georgia McKenzie & Carlee Holmes & Nora Shields, 2022. "Social Support Initiatives That Facilitate Exercise Participation in Community Gyms for People with Disability: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-22, December.
    4. Noe, Bodil Bjoernshave & Hoejgaard, Anne & Skovbjerg, Frederik & Steensgaard, Randi & Noe, Egon Bjoernshave, 2025. "Rural-urban living with spinal cord injury, impact health, quality of life and integration - Experiences from Denmark," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 381(C).
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