Nonmedical barriers and needs of rural children with disabilities and their families in Asia: A scoping review

Abstract

Children with disabilities encounter unique challenges in rural Asia, where community resources are often lacking. This study is the first scoping review to understand nonmedical barriers and needs perceived by rural children with disabilities and their families in Asian countries. A literature search was conducted among six major databases for peer-reviewed articles published between 1 January 2010 and 21 June 2022 and written in English. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 studies were identified and included in this review. The barriers and needs experienced by rural disabled children and their relatives are classified into family, school, community, and service levels. The review also highlights potential practice, policy, and research implications. To break down barriers and meet their needs, it is essential to take a holistic approach by supporting the family as a whole. In addition, to promote gender equity and prevent societal stigmatization and discrimination, policies and support programmes must be developed and implemented at the school and community levels. This review also identifies extant research gaps and suggests directions for future research, calling for more quantitative and mixed-method studies, the inclusion of experiences from all Asian countries, a focus on intersectionality, and more research on the pandemic's effects on these marginalized individuals.