Children with physical or intellectual impairments and mental wellbeing

Abstract

With increasing inclusive practice in UK schooling, school staff and children are now more likely to encounter people with differing disabilities. There is growing literature on good practice to promote the wellbeing of children with dis/abilities in the classroom. Here, we review that literature. This chapter first reviews the different frameworks that are used to understand the meaning of dis/ability, and how children themselves conceive dis/ability. Then, we look at the evidence linking disability-based bullying, and responses to it, to wellbeing. We then look at research on what “wellbeing” means to children with dis/abilities and how they would like to see their wellbeing supported. Finally, we consider wider issues around classroom participation and the representation of children with dis/abilities. We consider the actions that may be taken with these in mind to bolster the wellbeing of children with dis/abilities.