Content development of the Child Community Health Inclusion Index: An evaluation tool for measuring inclusion of children with disabilities in the community

BACKGROUND: Addressing barriers in the environment can contribute to health and quality of life for children with disabilities and their families. The Community Health Inclusion Index (CHII) is a measurement tool developed in the United States to identify environmental barriers and facilitators to community health inclusion. The CHII adopts an adult viewpoint and aspects crucial for children may have been omitted. AIMS: This study aimed to develop a comprehensive list of items that are relevant for the community inclusion of children with disabilities in the Canadian context. METHODS: The relevance and priority of items generated from a review of existing guidelines and best practice recommendations for community inclusion were rated as a dichotomous response and discussed by an expert panel in relevant fields related to children with disabilities. RESULTS: A total of 189 items from 12 instruments and best practice guidelines were identified. Expert consensus contributed to a relevant and comprehensive list of items. Expert suggestions were considered to refine and reduce the item list. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of a child version of a community inclusion tool, as the needs of children with disabilities differ from those of adults. It can help communities improve inclusion of children with disabilities and inform health promotion initiatives for this population.