Related Experiment Videos
Research into the lifeworld of physically disabled children
1Faculty of Social Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Insights
This study explores the lived experiences of elementary school children with physical disabilities. It emphasizes their own perspectives on their bodies, friendships, and relationships with adults, moving beyond professional viewpoints.
Area of Science:
- Phenomenological research
- Child psychology
- Disability studies
Background:
- Previous research often frames disabled children through professional lenses (medical, paramedical, educational).
- A gap exists in understanding the subjective experiences of children with physical disabilities.
- Focus on elementary school-aged children without co-occurring intellectual disabilities.
Observation:
- The study employed a phenomenological approach to capture the children's lived experiences.
- Children were encouraged to share their perspectives on key life aspects.
- Direct accounts from children form the core of the data.
Findings:
- Children with physical disabilities have unique insights into their bodies and daily lives.
- Peer relationships and interactions with parents/experts are significant themes.
- The child's own voice offers a crucial counterpoint to external professional narratives.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of incorporating children's perspectives in disability research and practice.
- Informs more child-centered approaches in medical, educational, and psychological support.
- Advocates for empowering disabled children to articulate their experiences and needs.
Abstract:
This article presents a phenomenological study of the experiences of physically disabled children. The research focuses on elementary school aged children not suffering from additional intellectual disability. In previous research we noticed just how often the children we observed are considered and discussed from the point of view of professional expertise. There is, for instance, the medical account of the disorder, the paramedical view concerning the treatment of the physical limitations and the educational and psychological approach to learning disabilities. Our research aims to highlight the perspective of the disabled child him- or herself. We let the children speak for themselves on their three 'favourite' subjects: on their bodies, on friends and on parents and experts.