Mobility devices, social inclusion and participation in youth with disabilities: a scoping review

To examine how participation and social inclusion are addressed in the literature related to mobility device use among youth with disabilities.

A scoping review was conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework. Eight databases, including MEDLINE (OVID), Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, Emcare, Social Work Abstracts, Social Sciences Abstracts and Sociological Abstracts, were searched for studies examining mobility device use in relation to participation and social inclusion among youth aged 14 to 21 years with childhood-onset motor disabilities. Data were extracted and organised by participation setting.

Fourteen articles were included in this review, with the majority focusing on wheelchair use. The findings suggested that mobility devices may support participation across diverse settings, including physical activity, home and social settings. However, there remains a gap in understanding how mobility devices influence social inclusion among youth, because social inclusion was not measured directly as a primary outcome in the included studies.

Mobility devices may support independence and participation among youth with disabilities across home, school, community and recreational settings. However, their specific role in promoting social inclusion remains unclear. Future research should focus on how different types of mobility devices impact social inclusion. Such evidence may inform clinical decision-making, support device selection and promote youth development, well-being and social integration.