Opportunities to experience changes during adverse times: perspectives of young people with physical disabilities and their therapists following the PREP intervention

To elicit the experiences of Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP) intervention among youth with physical disabilities and their therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Youth (<i>n</i> = 13) aged 18–25 (median = 21) who participated in an 8-week self-chosen activity (football, piano, photography) facilitated by PREP and therapists (<i>n</i> = 6) who delivered it participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted by two researchers independently. Four themes were identified. The first theme, <i>Pandemic reality – the impacts on everyday life and emotional well-being</i>, which pertained to youth only, characterized the context that shaped how youth experienced the intervention. The remaining three themes: <i>Navigating barriers, seeking resources, and putting pieces together</i>; <i>Rapport with instructors and support from family as assets</i>; and <i>More than fun, a new opportunity to experience changes</i>, applied to both youth and therapists. <i>Youth interest and motivation</i>, identified in both groups, was intertwined across all themes, leading to initiating and maintaining participation. Through these positive experiences, the youth discovered the value of trying new activities in supportive and accessible environments. Findings highlight the crucial roles of therapists, families, and instructors in mobilizing available resources and motivating youth to enhance their community participation even during adverse times. Interventions that enhance participation in meaningful activities, such as PREP (Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation), provide opportunities for youth to experience positive change across a range of functional domains during adverse times.Enhancing the capacity of therapists, instructors, and families to jointly mobilize existing community resources and modify activities aligned with youth interests is essential for successful participation.Interventions that cultivate youth’s motivation and positive experiences can drive their involvement in community activities and enable confidence in engaging in broader activities, thereby promoting equitable participation. Interventions that enhance participation in meaningful activities, such as PREP (Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation), provide opportunities for youth to experience positive change across a range of functional domains during adverse times. Enhancing the capacity of therapists, instructors, and families to jointly mobilize existing community resources and modify activities aligned with youth interests is essential for successful participation. Interventions that cultivate youth’s motivation and positive experiences can drive their involvement in community activities and enable confidence in engaging in broader activities, thereby promoting equitable participation.