Participation in school: School assistants creating opportunities and obstacles for pupils with disabilities

This study addresses how help is provided for pupils with physical disabilities and how school assistants influence their participation in school. Data were collected through field observations and interviews with seven pupils between 7 and 15 years old and with each pupil's teacher and assistant. The analysis resulted in a description of features that influenced how help was provided and the consequences in school for the pupil with disabilities. A major finding was that the assistants could both facilitate and hinder participation. We concluded that an awareness of the priority the pupils place on social participation with their peers is needed to ensure effective and flexible support is made available to pupils with disabilities.