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. 2025 Mar;51(2):e70065.
doi: 10.1111/cch.70065.

Implementation of the My Abilities First Tool to Empower Children and Adolescents With Disabilities: A Study Protocol

Roselene F Alencar  1 , Egmar Longo  2 , Verónica Schiariti  3 , Caline C A F Jesus  4 , Monique L G Coelho  5 , L Rocío P Carrión  6 , Gentil G F Filho  7 , Isabelly C R Regalado  7 , Karolinne S Monteiro  7 , Ana R R Lindquist  1
Affiliations

Implementation of the My Abilities First Tool to Empower Children and Adolescents With Disabilities: A Study Protocol

Roselene F Alencar et al. Child Care Health Dev. 2025 Mar.

Abstract

Objective: To present a participatory study protocol for implementing the My Abilities First (MAF) tool in Specialized Centers for Child Rehabilitation.

Method: This is a qualitative study that will intentionally select physiotherapists, occupational therapists, children and adolescents with disabilities, aged 6-14 years, and their caregivers, in Specialized Centers for Child Rehabilitation located in the northeastern region of Brazil. The participants will answer a socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire and take part in semistructured interviews, workshops and focus groups to understand and discuss the implementation process of the MAF tool. The study will be based on Participatory Action Research (PAR) and Patient and Public Involvement (PPI). The data will be recorded and fully transcribed for Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

Discussion and perspectives: The presentation of a study protocol to implement the MAF tool has the potential to enhance changes in attitudes towards disability and individuals with disabilities. The conceptual foundation of the MAF tool, centred on positive language and attitudes, coupled with the need to identify barriers and facilitators for the implementation process, proves conducive to new insights and inclusive opportunities for children and adolescents with disabilities.

Keywords: abilities; paediatrics; participation; rehabilitation.

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