PARTICIPATION IN LEISURE ACTIVITIES FROM THE PERCEPTION OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES IN BRAZIL

Objective: To understand the perception of children with disabilities and their families regarding factors that interfere with participation in leisure activities in Brazil. Methods: This qualitative study included 14 focus groups, involving a total of 80 participants (40 children with disabilities and 40 family members). Discussions were recorded and transcribed. Coding was based on the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health, following linking rules. Results: A total of 80 individuals participated in the study. For parents and children the most-cited barriers to participation in leisure activities were related to environmental factors. For children, the main barriers were the attitudes of their nuclear family, acquaintances, and friends. Access to products and technology for personal mobility were also important obstacles. For them, support from immediate family was both a facilitator and barrier. Other barriers identified by family members were open-space planning services and assets. As facilitators, the attitudes and support of people in positions of authority also were reported by this group. Conclusion: For parents and children, most disabling barriers were related to environmental factors, such as access to products and technology, support, and attitudes. Some differences in perception were observed between comments from children and parents; for example, regarding barriers due to immediate family. Parents showed greater awareness of barriers and facilitators to participation in leisure activities.