Changes in Use of a Leisure Activity Mobile App for Children With Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Retrospective Study

Leisure Activities for Children with Disabilities During a Pandemic: Characteristics of Inclusive Online Activities

BACKGROUND

Participation of children with disabilities in leisure activities is a key determinant of their physical and mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has limited participation in leisure activities for all children, in particular, for children with disabilities. As a result, children with disabilities may be less active while feeling more isolated and stressed. Online communities and activities are taking on growing importance. Understanding how online activities include or exclude children with disabilities can contribute to developing inclusive communities that may support participation post-pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to identify factors that may facilitate or prevent the participation of children with disabilities in online leisure activities.

METHODS

We adopted a qualitative descriptive interpretative methodology and conducted interviews with two groups of participants: 1. service providers offering inclusive online leisure activities, 2. parents of children with disabilities who have engaged in online leisure activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. A semi-structured interview format was created based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). The questions focused on the description of the online activities offered by the service provider (e.g., age range, frequency, cost, target population, type of activity offered) and any adaptations to make the online activity accessible to children and youth with disabilities, as well as their perceptions and beliefs about what supported or deterred participation in the activities.

RESULTS

Seventeen participants described their experiences in participating and creating online leisure programs and factors preventing or facilitating children's participation in online activities. Environment/ and context factors included: accommodations, the format of activities and the online setting, stakeholder involvement, and materials and resources available. Activities that had flexible schedules, both recorded and live options for joining, and provided clear instructions and information were perceived as more accessible. Beliefs involved characteristics of the child and the family environment, as well as characteristics of the organizations providing the activity. Activity facilitators who were familiar with the online environment and knew the specific characteristics of the child facilitated participation. Engagement of community champions, and respect for child's individual preferences were perceived as positive. Access to technology, funding and caregivers' ability to facilitate child engagement were crucial factors that need to be considered when offering online programs.

CONCLUSIONS

Online environments can offer an accessible and safe option for leisure participation when public health conditions prevent children with disabilities from participating in in-person activities. However, in order to make online activities accessible for children with a variety of disabilities there needs to be a clear planning towards universal online accessibility that accounts for individual needs and collective approaches to online leisure. Future work should consider developing and testing guidelines for online accessibility and the equity and public policy and programming considerations in offering these activities for all children.

Mental health challenges during COVID-19: perspectives from parents with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities

Background

The global pandemic and subsequent denials, delays, and disruptions in essential daily activities created significant challenges for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and their parents. Public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic limited access to supports and services required by children with NDDs to maintain their health and well-being.

Objective

This study sought to understand the impacts of these public health measures and restrictions on mental health from the perspective of parents with children with NDDs to inform pathways for public health policies responsive to the needs of this population.

Method

Interpretive descriptive design was used to guide data collection and data analysis. Forty caregivers were interviewed about their experience with pandemic restrictions.

Findings

Generic policy measures contributed to many gaps in families’ social support systems and contributed to mental health challenges for children and their parents. Four themes emerged: 1) lack of social networks and activities, 2) lack of access to health and social supports, 3) tension in the family unit, and 4) impact on mental health for children and their parents.

Recommendations

Emergency preparedness planning requires a disability inclusive approach allocating resources for family supports in the home and community. Families identified supports to minimize further pandemic disruptions and enhance recovery.