Solution-Based Strategies to Promote Participation of Youth With Physical Disabilities Through PREP Intervention

ImportancePathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP) is an evidence-based, environmental intervention to improve an individual's participation in activities of choice. However, the specific intervention strategies employed have not been systematically examined.ObjectiveTo identify and describe PREP strategies used to promote the participation of youth and young adults with disabilities in community-based self-chosen occupations.DesignA descriptive qualitative study was employed. Data were extracted from PREP Intervention Forms documenting step 3 of the interventions ("Make it Happen") for 65 youth and young adults with physical disabilities. PREP Forms included 524 strategies to enhance participation in 127 goals set by the youth (e.g., taking cooking classes, playing badminton, playing a musical instrument, and volunteering in a radio station). Inductive content analysis was conducted.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsSixty-five youth and young adults with physical disabilities aged 12 to 25 (mean=18, SD = 3.67) who received the PREP intervention.ResultsTwenty-eight actions organized by four overarching strategy categories were identified: (1) reach out to community resources and partners, (2) set the stage for an accessible and adaptable context for participation, (3) engage partners in learning and education to foster their agency and enable feasible and supportive participation, and (4) monitor the process and consider new solutions.Conclusions and RelevanceFindings provide new knowledge about the practical application of the PREP approach, highlighting strategies that can enhance the participation of youth and young adults with physical disabilities. Findings can also redirect occupational therapists' attention toward engaging youth and community partners to build capacity for future participation.