Understanding the everyday experience of persons with physical disabilities: Building a model of social and occupational participation

This study aimed to explore the everyday experience of social and occupational participation among persons with physical disabilities living in Croatia. We applied a qualitative research methodology using six semi-structured interviews and two focus groups with five participants each. Of the 15 adult participants, seven had cerebral palsy, three had a spinal cord injury and five had muscular dystrophy. Analysis of the data was conducted using a constant comparative approach through which three main themes emerged: (1) Occupational and social participation: Means for inclusion; (2) Exclusion as a consequence of occupational deprivation and social marginalization; (3) Enablers and barriers to meaningful participation. The findings shed new light on the nature of participation among this often marginalized group. Based on these findings, a tentative model was constructed to illustrate the interwoven nature of a number of components: (1) Participation as a continuum along dimensions of inclusion and exclusion; (2) Occupational participation and deprivation; (3) Social participation and marginalization; and (4) Enablers and barriers to participation. While the model represents only emerging ideas that require further confirmation, we propose it as a potentially useful starting point for ongoing discussion and investigation into occupational and social participation among persons with disabilities.