Experiences of Participation in a Swedish Society Among Adults With Cerebral Palsy or Spina Bifida: Involvement and Challenges

Abstract

Participation in society is vital to mental health and is beneficial to individuals and society. The goal of this study was to provide insight into how people with cerebral palsy and spina bifida view their experiences of participation and to examine factors that might influence this issue. The results show that participants emphasized the importance of being accepted and treated equally. Living independently and being able to play an active and leading role in their lives was also essential. Participation was described as a process of interaction between a person and society, with mutual responsibility in respect to integration.