ABSTRACT

Objective: To identify barriers and facilitators experienced by children with disabilities in everyday activities in low- ,middle- and high-income countries.

Study sample: A qualitative content analyses was used in this study, and individual interviews were conducted with 49 children with intellectual disabilities. Pictures were used in the interviews with the children. The children indicated the most important activities and identified the facilitators and barriers which influence their ability to perform these activities.

Results: The most important activities were found to be organised leisure activities, formal learning at school, taking care of other family members and family mealtimes. Self-reported barriers included personal functioning, social exclusion and lack of resources. The identified facilitators included satisfaction, personal capability, being included and having access to resources.

Conclusion: The findings from this study highlight the importance of considering barriers and facilitators in everyday activities when developing interventions in order to improve the participation of children with disabilities.