Children and Young People's Participation and Freedom with A Wheelchair: A Deeper Understanding of Problems Due to Inaccessibility

Achieving an equal and accessible society for all is a shared global and national
aspiration. Mobility, defined as the ability to move safely and independently within
societal and domestic contexts, is crucial for ensuring a secure daily life and fostering
participation and freedom. The primary objective of this project was to explore and
identify factors that pose potential risks for accidents and injuries among children and
young people who use wheelchairs. Method: Utilizing a qualitative descriptive approach,
this study forms part of a longitudinal document analysis with a qualitative crosssectional design, based on reports of discrimination due to inaccessibility received by the
Equality Ombudsman for Children (DO) during the period 2022–2023, employing
thematic analysis. These cases were drawn from both metropolitan environments and
small municipalities, encompassing settings such as schools, healthcare facilities,
restaurants, and public transportation. The analysis identified three key themes. Result:
Ensuring safety and accessibility is paramount for children and young people who use
wheelchairs to achieve security in their daily lives, to facilitate their participation and
freedom within society. Furthermore, it is imperative to advance our understanding of
the complex relationships between the lack of accessibility, participation, and
independence in public environments.