Community inclusion for people with complex disabling conditions from the perspective of people with lived experience and those who support their inclusion: a scoping review

Abstract

Purpose To explore factors that influence community inclusion for adults with complex disabling conditions, from their perspective and that of their supports.Methods and Materials A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O’Malley approach. Studies were screened and selected using Covidence and reported using PRISMA. Cinahl, Medline, Emcare, and Scopus databases were searched until May 2025. Eligible studies were published in a peer-reviewed journal in the English language and described factors influencing community inclusion. Selected studies were mapped to components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework through inductive synthesis and thematic analysis.Results A total of 4,088 records were screened. Across the 42 studies included in the final review, 67 factors (29 enablers and 38 barriers) influencing community inclusion were identified and mapped to the ICF. Enablers were most commonly mapped to Activities and Participation, while barriers were predominantly Environmental, encompassing physical, attitudinal and social factors.Conclusion Community inclusion for people with complex disabling conditions is influenced by multiple, intersecting factors that extend beyond traditional markers of community integration. The findings reinforce the need for policy and practice approaches that explicitly prioritise fostering community inclusion outcomes across diverse community contexts.