Using a creative case study method to explore non-verbal and non-ambulant children’s well-being experiences from their participation in recreational activities

•The ideas for choice of methods, including emancipatory approaches, to position the children's voices at the centre of the case studies. •Why the case study design was selected and what each case was made up of. Exploring their strengths and limitations. •The issues of obtaining consent and assent with participants some of whom used Augmentative and Alternative Communication/ Eye Gaze Technology. •Pilot data exploring sandbox play, diaries and collages which enabled rich insight into their views, experiences, and choices about participation in recreational activities, supported by their parents. •How the creativity in the interviews, engaged the participants in a play activity meaningful for them. The diaries and photographs added value when the participants could not speak about their own well-being. •The importance of working in partnership with their parents, to ensure the correct interpretation of their intentional behaviours. •Data analysis methods and the themes identified: 1. Participation enhancers 2. Champions for disabled children and young people's well-being 3. Hindrances to participation •Key results including that the children showed they could be their own advocates by choosing their level of participation, sometimes choosing not to participate, to manage their own well-being. The data has been framed within positioning theory and is represented by a kaleidoscope of well-being (in press)