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Strategies for improving disability awareness and social inclusion of children and young people with cerebral palsy
Author(s) -
Lindsay S.,
McPherson A. C.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
child: care, health and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.832
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1365-2214
pISSN - 0305-1862
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2214.2011.01308.x
Subject(s) - cerebral palsy , inclusion (mineral) , psychology , context (archaeology) , developmental psychology , focus group , typically developing , clinical psychology , psychiatry , autism , social psychology , paleontology , marketing , business , biology
Background Children and youth with disabilities are at a higher risk of being socially excluded or bullied while at school compared with their typically developing peers. This study explored disabled children's suggestions for improving social inclusion. Methods Fifteen children with cerebral palsy were interviewed or took part in a group discussion about social inclusion and bullying. All interviews and focus groups were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results The children and youth described several strategies to help improve social inclusion at school including: (1) disclosure of condition and creating awareness of disability; (2) awareness of bullying; (3) developing a peer support network and building self‐confidence; and (4) suggestions on what teachers can do. Conclusions It is recommended that children's suggestions be considered within the classroom context to enhance the social inclusion and participation of children with disabilities.