Children with physical disability: gaps in service provision, problems joining in

To describe the reported experiences of the estimated 14 500 New Zealand children with a physical disability and those of their families and whanau (extended families).

We have used data from the Household Disability Survey conducted in 2002 to obtain this information.

These children and their carers reported a number of perceived unmet needs in all areas covered in the survey: service and assistance, transport, accommodation and education. Thus an estimated 24% reported an unmet need for equipment, and 10% an unmet need for home modification. Around 9% reported having to fund respite care themselves. Of particular note was the proportion of children who had difficulties joining in games and sport at school (59%), going on school outings or camps (28%), playing at school (47%), and or making friends (35%). In all, an estimated 67% of children had one or more problems taking part at school.

More could be done to help such families and to facilitate the full participation of these children.