‘I dare to be myself.’ The value of peer communities in adapted physical activity interventions for young people and adults with cerebral palsy

Rehabilitation for people with cerebral palsy has traditionally focused on the physical body. This study has a psychosocial focus and investigates the experience of being part of a peer community at a camp. Two semi-structured interviews with 16 participants were carried out. The first interview aimed at getting a sense of the participants and their life situation, and the second at getting a sense of their experiences at camp. Seven themes were identified in the thematic analysis: belonging, social security, group-synergy, symmetry in abilities, being a resource, being understood, and left alone in the period after camp.
The findings indicate that peer communities for people with cerebral palsy can improve their self-perception and situated participation. Therefore, clinical recommendations and strategies should consider including peer communities. However, we must be aware of the transition from segregated interventions to everyday life, as this process may be difficult and inhibit the potential.