Children with Intellectual Disabilities and Their Perceived Participation in Everyday Life Activities : A descriptive study conducted in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia

Abstract: Background: Children with intellectual disabilities living in developing countries are vulnerable to participation restrictions. Few studies have been made regarding their own perspectives. Aim: To describe how children in a low income country aged 13-17 with an intellectual disability perceive their participation in everyday life activities. Method: This bachelor thesis was conducted as a descriptive study and had a quantitative approach. Participants were collected through a non-probability, goal-oriented consecutive sampling. Data were collected by using “Picture my Participation”, an instrument designed as a structured interview with quantitative questions. The data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics 21. Tables and diagrams were made in Microsoft Excel 2013. Result: The activity that the children participated in most frequently was “Daily routines at home for personal care (dressing, choosing clothing, hair care, brushing teeth)”. The activity that most children prioritized as most important, and they were most involved in was “Organised leisure activities”. “Services and policies” and “Social environment” were the factors seen as “Facilitators” to participation, whereas “Family attitudes” was seen as a “Barrier” to participation. Conclusion: The children perceived their participation in the prioritized activities as high and experienced few barriers in the context of participation.