Novita Research Report - 2004 to 2007 - Novita Children's Services

11Results Two exhaustive database searches were undertaken in December 2005 and July 2006resulting in a small number of case studies, indicating limited research investigatinginterventions to facilitate participation. It seems the field of disability and rehabilitation isonly just beginning to understand the multi-dimensional construct and developing toolsto measure participation. Most of the research reported the barriers and facilitators toparticipation. Most studies did not use self-report measures, which are necessary forunderstanding and evaluating participation. The focus of the question will be narrowed andone context will be selected to investigate further.ImplicationsFor clients – knowing the most effective interventions to facilitate participation will be ofimmense benefit.For services – depending on the outcomes, the review may synthesise intervention strategiesthat are effective to facilitate participation.These results may have implications on practiceand policy. The results also identify gaps in research and highlight the urgent need toconduct more research.StatusOngoingProject titleContributorsFundingSummaryParticipation profile of children with physical disabilities with and without complexcommunication needs: Association between social networks, communication,activity engagement and time useDr Parimala Raghavendra, Dr Alison Lane (University of South Australia), CatherineOlsson, Dr Tim Connell, Rachael Virgo• Channel 7 Children’s Research FoundationParticipation in a variety of activities is important for physical and mental health and for achild’s overall development. For children and adolescents, this includes involvement in arange of activities at home, school and in the community. Research shows that a child’scognitive, communicative and physical ability is a major predictor of how they will participate.Children with disabilities are at risk of reduced participation in everyday activities. This risk isgreater for children with complex communication needs.This project will study the participation profiles of children with disabilities with and withoutcomplex communication needs, and children without disabilities. It will look at the types ofactivities children undertake and how much they enjoy them, how children spend their time,how children communicate and who they talk to and also their level of self-determination. Thiswill help us have a better understanding of the factors that influence participation.