We must take a careful look into the structures, policies, and programs that may be barriers to inclusion of children with disabilities in the community. Assess to intervene and create cities that are inclusive of and healthy for all!
For the attention of: Policymakers, municipal program managers, public health practitioners, community organizations, and disability advocacy organizations.
The problem: Children with disabilities are often marginalized when they face restrictions in engaging in community life, placing them at risk for unfavourable outcomes in relation to their health and wellbeing. Public health initiatives and public health and social policy must address the needs of this population.
What we did and why: We did a comprehensive review of existing measures and tools that assess the inclusion of children in the community. We obtained expert input to develop the content of the Child Community Health Inclusion Index (CHILD-CHII). The tool addresses the diverse needs of children with various dis- abilities with a generalizable, universal design approach for community inclusion. The content was then validated through a consensus process with experts, and the items of the tool were further clarified in this study.
What our study adds: This tool evaluates how facilities, public spaces, and municipal policies address the inclusion of children with disabilities in the Canadian context. The validated content highlights the importance of such tool to identify barriers to inclusion, and to inform the development of interventions and initiatives to address these barriers.
Implications for city policy and practice: The Child Community Health Inclusion Index can contribute to cities to assess all health, community, leisure, and educational facilities and programs, and address improvements necessary to align with higher level frameworks such as the UN sustainable development goals and the Convention on the Rights of Children and on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The use of this tool can support the development of inclusion strategies that can contribute to child and disability -friendly cities.
For further information:
Childhood Disability Link: Linking Information and New Knowledge on childhood disability to service providers and families.
Jooay: Jooay is a free app that helps children with disabilities and their families to locate leisure opportunities
Full research article: Content validation of the child community health inclusion index: a modified e-Delphi study by
