Möjlighet till ett värdigt liv : Ett föräldraperspektiv på barns delaktighet och livskvalitet genom personlig assistans

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this study was to illustrate a parental perspective of children´s participation and quality of live through personal assistance. Important aspects of parents' experiences were highlighted based on how they experienced participation and quality of life for their children. We chose to use a qualitative approach in the form of four individual interviews with parents from different municipalities in central Sweden. The study was conducted with a narrative approach in which we used a holistic perspective. Parents' experiences were highlighted over time to create a complete picture. The result show that parents of children with severe disabilities felt they have an extended parental responsibility due to their children´s increased need for support and help in their daily lives. The result also showed that the parents' felt that personal assistance promoted participation and quality of life for their children. Parents' personality, occupation and education were important for their ability to influence their children's rights and lives. All parents felt that continuity was high since the children had the same assistants for a long time. This gave the parents confidence in the assistants. The parents' comment, for instance, on the lack of availability when their children want to travel by train, visit sport arenas or use transportation services.