Understanding Experiences of Children with Physical Disabilities Participating in a Novel Pediatric Wheelchair Skills Training Program

Abstract

Background. Independent mobility, the ability to move freely in one’s environment without assistance, is essential for children’s development, participation, and belonging. Children with physical disabilities may use manual wheelchairs (MWCs) to support their mobility, but without proper training, they may have difficulty using them effectively and face increased risk of injury. The Wheelchair Skills Training Program (WSTP) is effective for adults, yet its application for children has been limited. As such, a pediatric adaptation is now being tested through a multi-site randomized controlled trial. To support the understanding of the WSTP’s feasibility and effectiveness, it is imperative to explore children’s and families’ experiences. Purpose. This thesis captured the values, preferences, and experiences of children participating in the pediatric WSTP and their caregivers. Methods. A qualitative collective case study was conducted with six children and six caregivers who completed semi-structured interviews. Child interviews included collaboration with caregivers and child-friendly elicitation tools (i.e., vignettes, illustrations). Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and dyadic analysis within cross-case analysis. Findings. Three themes were identified: (1) Supporting Independence and Mobility, where families described increased independence and reduced caregiver strain; (2) Building Skills & Confidence Through Consistent Challenge, where children reported developing mastery through overcoming challenges; and (3) Empowering Children Through Positive Relationships, which emphasizes the role of supportive relationships in fostering children’s motivation and engagement. Conclusion. Centering participant experiences highlights how the pediatric WSTP can be tailored to children’s needs and inform strategies for broader implementation across settings.