Percepção de pais de crianças e jovens que usam cadeiras de rodas sobre a participação e o ambiente: um estudo transversal

INTRODUCTION: The wheelchair is often indicated to improve the participation of children/young people with disabilities. However, the literature is scarce regarding this effect, and the environment can be a barrier. OBJECTIVE: To know out the perception of parents of children and young people who use wheelchairs about participation and the environment. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with parents/guardians of children/young people who use wheelchairs, aged between 5 and 17, who were treated at two rehabilitation centers in the capital of a Brazilian state. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the PEM-CY were administered. RESULTS: The survey obtained 43 participants, showing a perception of greater participation at home, mainly in being with other people (6.9 ± 0.2) and watching TV (6.6 ± 1.5). In the community, attendance was low for all activities and 79.1% wished that participation in organized physical activities were greater. At school, they participated more in classroom activities (5.7 ± 2.5). Home was perceived as an environment with the most facilitators (72.5%), the fewest barriers (17.0%) and the highest scores for kindness, resources and general support from the environment (88.1%; 80.3% and 84.9% respectively). CONCLUSIONS: According to parents' perceptions, participation is higher at home, as the environment is more supportive. At school, they are more restricted to classroom activities and being with peers, with fewer facilitators. There is little participation in the community, more often in passive activities, as there are more barriers and fewer resources available.