Adaptation for participation! Children's experiences with use of assistive devices in activities

Purpose: To explore children's experiences with testing, acquiring and using assistive devices. Methods: Nine children (six boys, three girls, 9-12 years old, with different physical disability and activity experience, participated in semistructured interviews. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and analysed using Systematic text condensation. Results: Assistive devices were reported to contribute to cope activities that the children otherwise would not have participated in. Several subjects listed the need for a shielded environment when adapting to new equipment. The children highlighted "independence in activities" and "having the opportunity to participate in activities with family and friends" as important for frequent use. Need for assistance and lack of localizations to perform the activities were listed as reasons for less frequent use. Conclusions: This study reveals that it is useful to map each child's opportunities for independency, appropriate locations for performing the activity and participation with friends, when considering obtaining assistive devices. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The use of assistive devices gives many children with physical disabilities the opportunity to participate in physical activity. Improving availability to assistive devices for physical activity should be a priority to help facilitate participation. Having opportunities to develop perceptions of competence may be essential for a child's long term participation in physical activity.