Table 2 Emergent themes and subthemes from the semi-structured interviews
Barriers | Facilitators |
|---|---|
Theme 1 There are similarities and differences between children with disability and children with typical development | |
Longer to develop skills | Positive encouragement from others |
Lack of physical skill | One-on-one instruction |
Frustration or loss of confidence when child compares self to peers | Children that are motivated to keep fit |
Happy-go-lucky, confident child | |
It’s harder as children get older | Naturally active child |
Need extra support to participate | |
Extra costs associated with raising a child with disability | |
Theme 2 People make the difference | |
Parents lack knowledge or means | Proactive parents |
Lack of practical instructor training | Skilled instructors |
Negative societal attitudes towards disability | Peer acceptance |
Understand disability | |
Disability a low priority | Inclusive policies & programs |
Parents doubt child’s safety or ability | Family involvement |
Parental exhaustion | |
Theme 3 One size does not fit all…it’s about choice | |
Children and parents are not asked about how they can participate | Inclusive pathways |
Fun & sense of success | |
Lack of transport | Transport |
Distance | Local activities |
Lack of activities | Meaningful, appropriate activities |
One-off programs | Opportunities at school |
Waiting lists | |
No quorum | |
Theme 4 Communication and connections between stakeholders | |
Poor advertising of programs | Word of mouth between parents |
Difficulty for program providers finding families | Special schools provide information on activity |
Limited partnerships between sectors | Partnerships between schools, activity providers, disability groups and councils |