The primary objective of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of eye-gaze control technology for facilitating communication across different social contexts for people with cerebral palsy and significant physical disability. Systematic review. The search identified 756 potentially eligible articles, of which two, low level articles were eligible. One study reported positive results for achieving communication goals for children with cerebral palsy. The second concluded that eye-gaze control technology resulted in greater quality of life and less depression for adults with late stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis when compared to non-users. Research regarding the effectiveness of eye-gaze control technology used to access a laptop, tablet or computer on communication outcomes, participation, quality of life and self-esteem in children, adolescents and adults with cerebral palsy and significant physical disability is sparse. A scoping review to fully identify issues to inform clinical practice and future research is required.

Social determinants of health (SDH) influence health and social outcomes in positive and negative ways. Understanding the impact of SDH on children with cerebral palsy (CP) is essential to improve health equity, optimize health outcomes, and support children with CP and their families to thrive in society. In this narrative review, we summarize the landscape of SDH impacting children with CP and their families worldwide. In high‐income countries, children from poorer neighbourhoods are more likely to have severe comorbidities, present with spastic bilateral CP, and report lower frequency of participation in community activities. In low‐ and middle‐income countries, socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with increased risk of malnutrition, living in poorer housing conditions, not having access to proper sanitation, and living below the poverty line. Low maternal education is associated with increased likelihood of the child with CP experiencing increased severity of gross motor and bimanual functioning challenges, and poorer academic performance. Lower parental education is also associated with reduced child autonomy. On the other hand, higher parental income is a protective factor, associated with greater diversity of participation in day‐to‐day activities. A better physical environment and better social support are associated with higher participation in daily activities. Clinicians, researchers, and the community should be aware of these key challenges and opportunities. Then adopt a range of approaches that target adverse SDH/social needs and foster positive SDH in the clinical setting.What this paper adds: Understanding how social determinants of health influence health and social outcomes is a critical step towards improving health equity and outcomes. Approaches are required that target the impact of adverse SDH on access to health care for children with cerebral palsy and that work towards ensuring equity of access for all.

Despite a proliferation of qualitative research methods and the advancement of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), people with Complex Communication (Access) Needs (CCAN) are often absent from sociological study cohorts. Proxy interviewing is common but it leaves viewpoints to be shaped by others. Herein the purpose of the study was to develop and test new methods of data collection that would improve access to research participation for people with CCAN. This article reports on the development, implementation and evaluation findings of four data collection techniques. These methods, ‘theory generated photo elicitation’ ‘adapted image selection’ ‘participant sensory selection’ and ‘sensory ethnography’ were tested and implemented in a study of people with CCAN. The study contributes to the knowledge of communication accessible research participation with applicable to disability-based qualitative research across multiple fields.

Despite the evolution of inclusive research and augmentative and alternative communication, there is an ongoing absence of people with intellectual disabilities and complex communication (access) needs from sociological cohorts. In an in-depth study of 10 individuals with complex communication access needs, the involvement of three participants with intellectual disabilities was highlighted. The purpose of this article is to describe how the investigation was conceptualised, designed, and adapted to maximise the participation of adults with intellectual disabilities and complex communication access needs. Revealed are the adaptations and approaches made to the core elements of the study: communication access, research design, consent-to-research, and methods. Also described are subsequent participant insights on the topic of inclusion of people with complex communication access needs in research. The investigation contributes to an evolving body of literature on inclusive research, highlighting tensions of competence and capacity, as well as capacity-building challenges more broadly.

To explore (i) the impact of unmet social needs on children with cerebral palsy and their families; (ii) enablers-, and (iii) barriers to addressing unmet social needs. Eligible participants attended or worked at one of the three Paediatric Rehabilitation Departments including: children with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy; parents/carers; and clinicians. One-on-one interviews were conducted with parents/carers and focus groups with clinicians. Interview and focus group transcripts were deductively thematically analysed according to the social model of disability. A total of 44 participants (8 parents and 36 clinicians) took part. No children consented to participate. Analysis of the qualitative data identified four main themes and 14 sub-themes. The main themes were: Unmet social needs are pervasive; An inequitable health system with no roadmap; Everyone suffers as a result of unmet social needs; and It takes a village to raise a child. Unmet social needs have profound impacts on families. The experiences of unmet social needs are intensified by the extra complexities of raising a child with disability. Societal barriers including inequitable systems and the fragmented services are barriers impeding on families receiving support and ultimately limiting their wellbeing.

Despite the advancement of disability rights and augmentative and alternative communication, people with complex communication access needs (CCAN) are often absent from social work, and other qualitative study cohorts. After exploring the underlying reasons for this, the purpose of the study was to investigate successful exceptions of prior research in the field and to bring these together with the findings from a group of 10 participants with CCAN who reveal what they believe is needed to include people with CCAN in qualitative research. These insights are applied specifically to the context of social work research so as to advance an alignment between the ethos of the profession and inclusive practice.