The quality of life of children with disabilities improves when health systems move beyond survival-focused biomedical interventions and metrics to actively promote participation and well-being. Quality of life should be measured through the experiences and perspectives of the child, ensuring that judgments about what constitutes a meaningful life are made by those for whom these tools are designed. This Viewpoint highlights how health professionals and systems can extend their focus beyond impairment-centered care by partnering with families, adopting practices that prioritize children’s own views on what matters most, and creating disability-inclusive environments. Central to this approach is recognizing that quality of life should reflect the values of children and their families, rather than external assessments based on notions of normality or functional ability. Embracing this perspective allows clinical practice, measurement, and policy to align with what truly matters, ultimately placing value on the quality of life of all children.
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