Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical ability in childhood that impacts an individual across lifespan. As the lifespan of individuals with CP increases, there is a need to understand the impact of disease and disability on the quality of life and to explore the challenges of their changing needs in community living. The purposes of this study were: 1) to explore and identify the lived experience of adults with CP living in their communities, and 2) to examine factors influencing activity level and participation and how these factors influence perceived quality of life. The specific aims of this study were: Specific aim #1. Determine the relationship between the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels of motor function and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment II (WHODAS II) physical domain in adults with CP. Specific aim #2. Compare the domains of the WHODAS II and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) instruments in adults with CP. Specific aim #3. Examine the relationship among physical and social demographic factors and the domains of the WHOQOL-BREF in adults with CP. The qualitative inquiry included in-depth information gathered through semi-structured individual interviews, using the WHOQOL-BREF to guide open ended questions. The primary qualitative research question was: For adults with CP, which factors influence living independently in the community and affect their perceived quality of life?
