The school situation for pupils with congenital mobility impairments

Research question and specific questionsSince the late 1980s, Swedish schools have undergone several revolutionary reforms and a system change.

There is a clear need for research as to how this has affected the schooling of pupils with congenital mobility impairments.

The overall question for this research project is: What does the social and educational school situation look like for these pupils in today´s school?

The goal of this research project is to contribute with research results and knowledge about the factors that promote and counteract pupils´ opportunities for equal education and development.

The specific purpose is twofold: to 1) investigate the experiences and perceptions of pupils with congenital mobility impairments about their school situation, and to 2) identify the perceptions, conditions and practices around the school that promote and counteract opportunities for equal education and development for pupils with mobility impairments.Data and methodThe study has an ethnographic design based on cultural and discourse analysis perspectives, an explorative and holistic approach and qualitative fieldwork methods and techniques.

The study combines observations, conversations, semi-structured interviews and document and internet analysis. During the fieldwork I mainly follow 15-20 pupils individually in their everyday school life.

With the pupil in focus and the combination of methods and material types, both a holistic perspective and detailed knowledge of how conceptions, practices and conditions interact and shape the pupils´ school situation are made possible.Societal relevance and utilisationThe project addresses societal challenges related to the child´s right to good and equal education and development, pupil´s unequal life conditions, health and ill health, and the school´s ideals and practices of inclusion and participation.

The project will identify opportunities, difficulties and dilemmas at several levels and for several target groups, which contributes to meeting the societal challenges above. The results are relevant to issues such as policy, quality and competence development, working methods and treatment. Plan for project realisationThe project is three years and is a collaborative model between me, NGOs and authorities.

Collaboration takes place during all phases of the project, from planning to dissemination of results. The project grant mainly covers my salary, fieldwork, collaboration and dissemination of results.