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BMC Pediatrics

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research

Barriers, facilitators and solutions for active inclusive play for children with a physical disability in the Netherlands: a qualitative study

Authors: L. van Engelen, M. Ebbers, M. Boonzaaijer, E. A. M. Bolster, E. A. H. van der Put, M. A. T. Bloemen

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Children with physical disabilities (PD) are less physically active than typically developing peers. The most important contributor to physical activity for primary school-aged children is outside play and therefore this should be part of every child’s life. However, children with PD experience multiple barriers to participation in playgrounds. Despite recent improvements in the accessibility of Dutch playgrounds, the participation of children with PD has not increased. This study aims to explore facilitators, barriers and solutions influencing the participation of children with PD in Dutch outdoor playgrounds, from parents’ and professionals’ perspectives.

Methods

Twelve semi-structured interviews with parents of children with PD aged 2–12 years and five focus group meetings with professionals working with these children were conducted. To ensure data saturation, we performed three member-check meetings. Two independent researchers analyzed the data using an inductive thematic approach.

Results

Similar barriers, facilitators and solutions were mentioned by parents and professionals. Three main themes were identified: the emotional barrier versus the physical barrier, play as a part of an inclusive society and the role of professionals in facilitating active inclusive play. The most important personal factors were physical and social problems experienced when children with PD wanted to join outdoor play. Interestingly, parents and professionals believed the social barrier was far more important than the physical one. The most important environmental factor was that the Dutch society is not sufficiently inclusive.

Conclusions

According to both parents and professionals, the most important barrier to active inclusive outdoor play was social, hindering the participation of children with PD in play with typically developing peers. To overcome such problems, professionals should take an active role in empowering children with PD and their parents. Furthermore, it is important to introduce outdoor active play early, so it becomes part of normal daily life. In addition, a change in the mindset of typically developing children and their parents seems essential to achieve true inclusive active play.

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Title: Barriers, facilitators and solutions for active inclusive play for children with a physical disability in the Netherlands: a qualitative study
Authors: L. van Engelen
M. Ebbers
M. Boonzaaijer
E. A. M. Bolster
E. A. H. van der Put
M. A. T. Bloemen
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-021-02827-5

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Barriers, facilitators and solutions for active inclusive play for children with a physical disability in the Netherlands: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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