title: Strategies for improving disability awareness and social inclusion of children and young people with cerebral palsy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Children and youth with disabilities are at a higher risk of being socially excluded or bullied while at school compared with their typically developing peers. This study explored disabled children's suggestions for improving social inclusion.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen children with cerebral palsy were interviewed or took part in a group discussion about social inclusion and bullying. All interviews and focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The children and youth described several strategies to help improve social inclusion at school including: (1) disclosure of condition and creating awareness of disability; (2) awareness of bullying; (3) developing a peer support network and building self-confidence; and (4) suggestions on what teachers can do.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is recommended that children's suggestions be considered within the classroom context to enhance the social inclusion and participation of children with disabilities.
authors: Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada. slindsay@hollandbloorview.ca
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Lindsay
authors: A C
authors: AC
authors: McPherson
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001364:Awareness; D058445:Bullying / Q000523:psychology; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D003479:Curriculum; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D011594:Psychometrics; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012649:Self Concept; D063508:Social Discrimination; D012938:Social Perception; D012944:Social Support; D013637:Tape Recording; D055815:Young Adult