title: Characterizing socially supportive environments relating to physical activity participation for young people with physical disabilities.
abstract: To explore the experiences of young people with physical disabilities relating to social inclusion and physical activity, in order to describe the characteristics of social environments that support participation in physical activity.
  
  
  
  An iterative, qualitative design employed in-depth, semi-structured interviews with young people with physical disabilities aged 12-18 (n = 11). Data were analyzed using interpretive thematic analysis.
  
  
  
  Young people described several ways that their social environments help motivate and support them in their physical activity participation. These include providing: fair and equitable participation beyond physical accommodations; belonging through teamwork; and socially supported independence.
  
  
  
  Supportive social environments characterized by equitable participation, a sense of belonging, and opportunities for interdependence, play a critical role in promoting the health and well-being of young people with physical disabilities. These characteristics are important to consider in the design of both integrated and dedicated physical activity programs.
authors.affiliation: a Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.|b Rehabilitation Sciences Institute , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.
authors.forename: Tara Joy
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Knibbe
authors.affiliation: a Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.|b Rehabilitation Sciences Institute , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.|c Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Biddiss
authors.affiliation: d Dalla Lana School of Public Health , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.|e Child and Youth Mental Health Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto , Canada.
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gladstone
authors.affiliation: a Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.|b Rehabilitation Sciences Institute , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.|d Dalla Lana School of Public Health , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.
authors.forename: Amy C
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-4186-3200
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: McPherson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012944:Social Support
keywords: Adolescents; physical activity; social support; youth