INCLUSION FOR CHILDREN WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

In the past 10-15 years the importance of inclusion for people with disabilities has become more widely acknowledged. From my own clinical experience, I can attest to the benefits of including children in play and age appropriate community activities:

· Assists with social and language development

· Supports children with building their motor skills

· Builds confidence, resilience, self-esteem and therefore enhances overall wellbeing

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with a Disability acknowledges the rights of all people in many facets of everyday life. More specifically, Article 30 recognises the need for “children with disabilities [to] have equal access with other children to participation in play, recreation and leisure and sporting activities, including those activities in the school system”. In Australia, the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has provided families with greater choice when deciding where to target their therapy funding and provides flexibility for intervention to be carried out across a range of everyday environments.

I read an article recently published by van Engelen et al in 2021 which looked more closely at the barriers to inclusion in play for children in the Netherlands. From their data they concluded three main themes:

1. Physical barriers to participation as well as challenges for parents in allowing more independent play

2. The need to educate the wider community about physical disability and therefore reduce the stigma surrounding this

3. Skilled clinicians to support and coach families in carrying out purposeful play

I have seen first-hand what appropriate therapy support can do for a child’s mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Please contact the practice should you desire such support for your child.

Call 0423 157 013 or email totstoteensphysio@gmail.com

References

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Article 30 – Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport

https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities/article-30-participation-in-cultural-life-recreation-leisure-and-sport.html

van Engelen L, Ebbers M, Boonzaaijer M, Bolster EAM, van der Put EAH, Bloemen MAT. “Barriers, facilitators and solutions for active inclusive play for children with a physical disability in the Netherlands: a qualitative study.” BMC Pediatr. 2021 Aug 28;21(1):369.