Friluftsliv (outdoor life) for all: outdoor recreation organizations perspectives on inclusion of children with disabilities in Friluftsliv

Abstract

This study explored the barriers and opportunities for including children with disabilitiesin friluftsliv, as seen from the perspective of outdoor recreation representatives in Norway. The participant perspectives and experiences were explored through six focus group and individual semi-structured interviews. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The collected data was then analysed using the thematic analysis framework outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006). Although barriers and opportunities can be seen as interconnected, the analysis identified three themes for each category. Barriers: ‘Economy and resources’, ’Information and communication’, and ’Attitudes as a barrier’. Opportunities: ‘Attitudes as an enabler’, ’Collaboration – linking different sectors’, and ’The potential learning curve’. The findings suggests that while the organizations do encounter barriers, the core of inclusive practices ultimately lies in attitudes. The representatives reported a lack of collaboration between friluftsliv initiatives and the health sector, identifying this as a key opportunity to pursue in future inclusion efforts. The knowledge gained from this study offers valuable insights into the less explored perspectives of outdoor organizations and their perceived needs and strategies for improving the inclusion of children with disabilities, insights that are relevant to strengthening their own commitment to inclusion, including other actors like individuals, schools and governmental institutions