Meaningful Participation in Early Childhood General Education Using Natural Supports

Abstract

This qualitative study used participant observation and semistructured interviews to examine the types of natural support that were provided and the adaptive strategies used to promote the inclusion of Ryan, a 3 year old with a visual impairment, in a community-based preschool. It found that the adults and classmates gave Ryan natural support in a variety of ways and that Ryan used distinctive adaptive strategies to carry out tasks independently.