Abstract
BACKGROUND: Disabilities limit the children's ability to use their body freely, fully engage with their surroundings, participate in the community, and access services. These restrictions could adversely impact their academic progress in schools. This study's primary aim is to report the quality of life of school-aged children and the percentage of children attending schools. A secondary exploratory aim is to report factors related to educational inclusion. METHODS: This study utilized a cross-sectional design using five domains from a validated quality of life tool targeting primary caregivers of children with disabilities. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square. 111 respondents met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Regarding the children's quality of life, less than half of the children feel happy about their interaction with children inside (35%) and outside of schools (39%). More than half of the children (51%) were happy with their interactions with their teachers, and in taking trips with their family (70%), as reported by their caregivers. In the participation domain, caregivers reported that children are happier when they participate in social outings. Most of the children were happy about utilizing their arms (53%), hands (51%), and drinking without assistance(53%). Caregivers stated that about 62% of the children were included in schools, and they were least happy with accessing special needs services in schools. This study also showed possible relationships between some demographic and quality of life factors with including children with disabilities in schools (p ≤ 0.05). Barriers that limit attending schools were reported. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study findings, the quality of life of children with disabilities is not ideal. Children face difficulties in interacting with their peers, participating in the community, using their body parts, and accessing services. This study provided preliminary data that suggest that not all children with disabilities are included in schools in Saudi Arabia. Although multiple factors were related to inclusion, they should be interpreted with caution. The reported difficulties could lead to unequal opportunities that interfere with the children's quality of life and educational journey and should be considered to support the needs of children with disabilities.