An Agent-Based Simulation Model of Epidemic Spread in a Residential School for Children with Disabilities

People with disabilities, especially those living in institutions, are at higher risk during pandemics, while schools also play important roles in disease spread. Yet, less attention is paid to the intersection of risk factors at residential schools for children with disabilities. Better understanding of spatial and behavioral factors that contribute to epidemics in such schools is needed for effective public health plans and responses, especially for pandemics where vaccines may be initially unavailable. An agent-based model of a school for deaf children was developed from Norwegian archival sources and 1918 influenza pandemic data to test impacts of non-pharmaceutical interventions. Results show differences in the timing and pattern of spread based on whether the first case is a student or staff member, while epidemics are smaller with more student bedrooms or a hospital ward. Implications for COVID-19 and future pandemics, including the need to combine different infection control measures, are discussed. Copyright © 2023 The Author(s).

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity Levels and Access to Fitness Programs for Children with Disabilities

Background and/or Objectives: Current guidelines recommend all children, including those with disabilities, obtain 60 minutes of daily physical activity. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected children with disabilities' (CWD) access to physical activity, with studies reporting 50-70% of CWD exercising less during the pandemic than before. The aims of this study were to assess whether a cohort of CWD were getting less physical activity than recommended national guidelines, examine specific barriers, and gauge parental interest in physical activity programs for their children. Design(s): Cross-sectional survey study Setting: Multi-center outpatient study within academic freestanding hospitals Participants: 59 parents of children with chronic disabilities Interventions: N/A Main Outcome Measure(s): Likert scale for how much child is leaving home compared to pre-pandemic, how much physical activity child is getting daily, main barriers to physical activity, interest for physical activity programs. Result(s): There were n=59 parents of children with disabilities who participated in the study. Child's age had a mean of 10.1 +/- 5.6 years. Twenty of the children were female and 39 were male. Forty-six parents (78%) either agreed or strongly agreed that their child left the house less during the pandemic than before. Forty parents (68%) reported their child was getting less than 60 mins of daily physical activity. The main barrier to physical activity was "concern for COVID transmission," with 38 parents (64%) citing that as a concern. If there were structured physical activity programs available, 41 parents (70%) said they were interested in enrolling their child. Conclusion(s): The physical activity levels of children with disabilities have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which can have deleterious effects on overall mental and physical health. The main barrier to physical activity for CWD is parental concern for COVID transmission. Virtual physical activity programs tailored towards children with disabilities could be a methodology for improving physical activity engagement in these children during the pandemic.

Hospital based social prescribing: Investigating parental views on the proposed Introduction of link workers for children with disabilities

Introduction: Children and young people (CYP) with a neurodisability often have complex needs which can significantly impact their quality of life. Unmet non-medical needs negatively correlate with well-being. COVID-19 has amplified the pressure on this population, catalysing our proposal for a new support service, based on the social prescribing link worker (LW) model supported by NHS England. Our innovative scheme will identify eligible CYP and their families within a hospital setting: with their agreement, a LW will help find and embed solutions to their unmet non-medical needs. The aim of this study was to gather the views of parents of CYP with neurodisability on the proposed service. Patients and methods: Forty UK-based parents of CYP with neurodisability completed an online survey (Qualtrix), distributed through social media. 11/40 were parents of young adults with disability. 28/40 of the CYP had cerebral palsy and/or autism. Results: COVID-19 had exacerbated circumstances for 90% of respondents. All except one were in favour of LW support;though only 7.5% previously knew what a LW was. Supporting their child towards independence;mental health;and social networks were priority areas. Reservations included not wanting input if their child was seriously ill;distinguishing between LW and social worker;worrying about whether the LW would have adequate specialist knowledge;and funding (postcode lottery). Conclusion: Respondents were strongly in favour of the proposed service. Based on their feedback, we will provide detailed information about the LW role, and recruit and support LW staff to provide a high quality, sustainable service.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the field of childhood disability in Belgium: A survey of caregivers and professionals

Introduction: Belgium was one of the hardest hit countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures and restrictions were imperative to abate spreading of COVID-19. This study aimed to gain insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying restrictions on children with disabilities, their caregivers, and service providers/professionals in Belgium. Patients and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of two voluntary-response sample surveys was carried out by the European Academy of Childhood Disability. 254 caregivers of individuals with childhood-onset disability and 279 professionals working in this field, living in Belgium, completed an online survey between April-May 2020 on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying restrictions. Quantitative analyses of survey responses were performed at group level for each survey. Results: 85% of the caregivers reported a reduced amount of therapy received per week in the survey period compared to before the COVID-19 crisis. 68% of the caregivers stated that less than 1 hour of therapy per week was provided during the survey period, compared to only 5% before the pandemic restrictions. 79% of the professionals noticed a physical health impact and 92% a mental health impact on individuals with a childhood-onset disability. Conclusion: Caregivers reported a strong decline in the amount of received therapy for people with a childhood-onset disability, while professionals reported noticing a physical and mental health impact. More insights into the (long-term) effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are warranted to provide best possible care and support for future health crises, other serious or daily events.

Disabled children and young people's voices about the well-being effects from their level of participation in recreational activities-comparative case study

Keywords: Participation;Well-being;Cerebral palsy Purpose: A literature review highlighted a gap in knowledge for non-verbal disabled children with limited mobility. The research question explored how children and young people with cerebral palsy and their parents viewed, experienced, and chose their level of participation in recreational activities, to benefit their well-being. The two aims were to explore (1) the views, experiences and choices for children and young people's level of participation in recreational activities, including barriers and facilitators. (2) Their perceptions of the effect of their level of participation upon children and young people's emotional well-being. Methods: A qualitative approach was developed using an exploratory comparative case study design using visual methods. There were two groups, a Participatory Group (N = 4) and a Limited Participatory Group (N = 3). The participants were aged nine to sixteen years and were supported by their parents in the data collection. Each case included two interviews at the beginning and end of 12 weeks, during which time the parents also kept a hand-written diary. Observations were also carried out at one of their usual activities during this time. Photographs were taken by the parent or the researcher, which were used to elicit discussion in the second interview. Positioning theory was applied, which included a triad of their position, social forces, and their own stories. The storylines of the participants were socially constructed from the evidence of the social forces at play, at the activities where they were positioned. Results: Seven cases were analysed using Braun and Clark's six stages of thematic analysis. Three overall themes were identified from the findings: (1) participation enhancers, (2) champions for disabled children and young people's well-being-self advocacy;(3) hindrances to participation. Positioning theory has been further adapted to include the non-verbal children's storylines, represented by a ‘Kaleidoscope of Well-being’. This suggests that well-being can fluctuate in different environments, influenced by the social forces of advocates who promoted their needs, with specialist equipment. Participants also showed they could choose not to participate, to determine their own storylines, showing their own agency. Conclusion(s): Policy makers and designers of equipment and environments should consider how to increase the choices of recreational activities for disabled children. Due to the current COVID restrictions the opportunity to develop digital games where disabled children and young people see themselves affirmed and represented is proposed post doc. There is a need to explore how health and social care professionals perceive the role of advocacy with disabled children and young people, to enhance their participatory opportunities. Impact: The impact of my PhD will develop from publications in both academic journals, parental networks and policy statements. I created a three minute Powtoon for the participants to listen and see what my dissemination plans are. As I teach at a Higher Education institution, I can influence future practitioners to promote the well-being of disabled children and young people. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the review of the four pillars of practice and to explore how advocacy is perceived by the physiotherapy profession. Funding acknowledgements: Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust NP/15/03.

Development of Participatory Training Program for Preventing COVID-19 in Staff of Facilities for Mentally Retarded Children

Introductions: In this study, we conducted a training program for preventing COVID-19 in facilities for mentally retarded children by using a participatory approach, with our aim to explore the impacts on the training program. Method: New action tools were developed through three steps. First, we reviewed relevant references and collected existing action tools related to COVID-19 respond. Then we visited the facilities and collected good practices for preventing COVID-19. Finally, we discussed the practical ways and requirements for action tools effective in the facilities with disabilities. We conducted a two-hour program for 4 times at the facilities. The program was consisted of short lecture about COVID-19 and group discussions based on action checklist exercise. Results: The staff members reviewed existing measures at the facilities and discussed point to be improved about COVID-19 preventing. In addition, they shared their concerns and doubts about COVID-19 measures that they felt in their daily tasks during group discussions. They felt difficulty, because of the children with disability sometimes were not able to use face masks, wash your hands and gargle regularly to prevent infection. However, many good practices for standard precaution adapted for disabled children were shared through the group discussions. Discussion: By using a participatory approach that emphasizes social dialogue and action-oriented rather than one-way lecture-type training, staff members empower multifaceted actions for prevention COVID-19 with their own initiatives.