Disabilities, Volume 5, Issue 2 (June 2025) – 15 articles

There is a growing body of evidence regarding the barriers to participation in sport for people with sight loss and for people from ethnically diverse communities. However, far less is known about the experience of people with sight loss who are also from ethnically diverse communities. Semi-structured interviews with people with lived experience and focus groups with civil society organisations that work with people with sight loss in the UK were undertaken. The aim was to explore how issues concerning ethnicity, culture, and heritage overlap with sight loss to affect sport participation. This research found that the intersecting occurrences of sight loss and ethnicity/cultural factors, as well as other socio-demographic factors like gender, compound and exacerbate the barriers to sport participation for people with sight loss from ethnically diverse communities. Further research is needed in different settings to unpack the heterogeneity related to sight loss, ethnicity, and sport. Full article

Background: People with disabilities, particularly those from developing countries, often fare worse during disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies. China is located in the most disaster-prone region in the world. However, no study has examined emergency evacuation planning among people with disabilities in China. The latest literature on emergency preparedness tends to focus on individual-level factors such as demographic characteristics, self-efficacy, and disability status. A focus on individual-level factors overlooks the importance of environmental influences on disaster preparation. Objective: This paper explores how individual and environmental factors are associated with emergency preparedness among people with disabilities in China. Methods: Two hundred and forty-eight people with various disabilities filled out an online cross-sectional survey on the level of emergency preparedness among people with disabilities in China. We conducted a hierarchical logistic regression to examine which environmental-level factors are associated with emergency preparedness after controlling for individual-level factors. Results: The results show that when entering only individual-level factors, self-efficacy in evacuation and previous emergency experiences are significant factors associated with being prepared. After including the environmental-level factors, self-efficacy remains significant. People with a physical disability and those from Hubei province, when compared with respondents from the rest of China, are less likely to be prepared. Another protective factor other than self-efficacy is being part of an online disability peer-support group. Conclusions: When designing risk management interventions, public health officials should consider both individual- and environmental-level factors. Using an online peer-support community may be considered an innovative component when designing these interventions. Full article

This study examines strategies to enhance transport inclusivity and passenger satisfaction for persons with disabilities in public bus systems in the Philippines. Drawing on data collected through an online questionnaire from 396 persons with disabilities who responded across various regions in the country, this study investigates eight key factors affecting satisfaction: vehicle design, diverse seating options, sensory considerations, assistance services, safety measures, subsidies/discounts, accessibility, and communication and information quality. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the hypothesized relationships between these variables, passenger satisfaction, and intention to reuse public transport. The SEM results revealed that accessibility (β = 0.359, p = 0.005), vehicle design (β = 0.248, p < 0.001), diverse seating options (β = 0.485, p < 0.001), safety measures (β = 0.3867, p = 0.001), and subsidies/discounts (β = 0.447, p < 0.001) significantly influenced passenger satisfaction. In turn, satisfaction had a strong positive effect on the future intention to use public transport (β = 0.760, p < 0.001). However, sensory considerations (β = 0.163, p = 0.225), assistance (β = 0.133, p = 0.519), and communication and information quality (β = 0.171, p = 0.345) were not statistically significant. The model demonstrated a good fit (chi-square/df = 4.03; SRMR = 0.078; NFI = 0.956), supporting the robustness of the proposed framework. These findings suggest that design-centered improvements and subsidies/discounts are critical to inclusive transport experiences, while overreliance on assistance may not guarantee satisfaction. This study recommends promoting autonomy through universal design, enhancing digital and physical accessibility, and increasing public awareness. These insights are intended to guide policymakers and transit authorities in creating a more inclusive, equitable, and user-driven transportation system. Full article

This study aimed to examine caregivers’ perceptions, practices, and challenges regarding rehabilitation services for people with disabilities, with a focus on identifying factors influencing their decisions to bring care recipients for formal rehabilitation. A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam. Data were collected from 214 primary caregivers using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, caregiving roles, and rehabilitation-related perceptions. A pilot study was conducted to refine the tool, and data were collected via face-to-face interviews by a trained team. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and stepwise logistic regression to identify key predictors of care-seeking behaviors. Results showed that 92% of caregivers perceived rehabilitation as necessary or very necessary. Female caregivers were more likely to provide care at home (95.3%), while male caregivers were more likely to utilize hospital-based services (73.5%) and to bring care recipients for rehabilitation overall (79.4% vs. 67.1%). Logistic regression revealed that female caregivers were significantly less likely than males to bring people with disabilities in for care (OR = 0.34, p = 0.02). Longer caregiving duration was associated with a reduced likelihood of seeking care (OR = 0.96 per year, p < 0.001), whereas caregivers of individuals with mobility needs (OR = 3.15, p < 0.001) and social integration needs (OR = 2.12, p = 0.05) were significantly more likely to seek care. These findings highlight gender-based differences and caregiving dynamics that influence access to rehabilitation. To enhance rehabilitation outcomes and support caregiver engagement, targeted policies are needed to address gender roles, caregiving fatigue, and the specific needs of care recipients. Full article

With the enforcement of the Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, the provision of reasonable accommodations in pharmacies has become mandatory in Japan. This study aimed to develop and validate the effectiveness of a training program to improve pharmacists’ ability to assist people with intellectual disabilities. The educational staff of one chain pharmacy company announced the program, and pharmacists at this company were invited to participate in the program. A 90 min online training was conducted with 15 pharmacists. The session included a lecture on reasonable accommodations and small group discussions (SGD). Before and after the training, participants answered an online survey about 1. Their basic attributes (number of years of experience and awareness of reasonable accommodations and constructive dialogue); 2. Their confidence in providing medication guidance to people with intellectual disabilities (10-point scale); and 3. Possible accommodations that could be provided by pharmacies. Training resulted in an increase in the average score for question 2 from 3.93 to 5.87. In addition, an increase in the number of keywords within the free-text descriptions and in the number of co-occurrences within the responses of mentions of possible accommodations in pharmacies was observed. Despite the shortness of the training, it changed the participants’ awareness about accommodations for people with intellectual disabilities. Further study is needed to enhance the content and evaluate changes in practice. Full article

As Canada’s population ages and disability prevalence increases, understanding the built environment’s impact on mobility and social participation is essential. This study evaluates the measurement properties of the Stakeholders’ Walkability/Wheelability Audit in Neighbourhoods (SWAN) tool, a user-led instrument designed to assess environmental factors affecting older adults and individuals with disabilities. Using community-based participatory research, we recruited 54 participants from five cities to assess the SWAN tool’s inter-rater reliability, construct validity, and internal consistency. The results indicated a high overall inter-rater reliability of 85.22%, with substantial Cohen’s Kappa coefficients across domains, particularly in the Safety domain (0.73). The construct validity was confirmed through moderate to strong correlations with established measures, notably a correlation of 0.79 between the Street Crossing subdomain and the Sidewalk Index. The internal consistency analysis showed excellent reliability in the Functionality domain (α = 0.95) and a lower consistency value in the Social Environment domain (α = 0.63), suggesting the need for further refinement. These findings provide preliminary evidence of the SWAN tool’s potential for evaluating neighbourhood accessibility. By identifying barriers and facilitators to mobility, the SWAN tool can guide urban planning efforts aimed at creating inclusive environments for aging populations and individuals with disabilities. Future research should focus on larger samples to explore structural validity. Ultimately, the SWAN tool can contribute to improving the quality of life of vulnerable populations and promote more equitable urban policy development. Full article

Although Zimbabwe has made significant progress regarding the development of a policy framework that caters to the needs of people with disabilities through various pieces of legislation, such as the Disabled Peoples Act (DPA), ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and adopting a new Constitution which has provisions for disability rights, people with disabilities in Zimbabwe are yet to benefit from these policies, as they are not fully implemented. Focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 youth aged between 18 and 35 with disabilities, and 5 key informants in Gweru, to analyze their perceptions regarding the disability policy framework in Zimbabwe. Most of the youth with disabilities lacked knowledge on the various policies regarding disabilities. This was attributed to poor implementation of such policies and a general negative attitude of society towards disability rights. Youth with disabilities are not fully benefiting from the current disability policies due to a lack of knowledge and some implementation gaps. The participants suggested full implementation of such policies and involvement of youth with disabilities in policy formulation and implementation. Full article

Sports participation among young people with disabilities offers significant physical, psychological, and social benefits, yet participation rates remain lower than among their non-disabled peers. This study, conducted in Hungary, explores how value orientations, health perceptions, and disability characteristics interact to shape sports engagement. Using a cluster analysis approach, we identified three distinct groups based on how young individuals with disabilities prioritize various life aspects. Data were collected through a survey of 771 participants aged 8–18, including individuals with diverse disability types. K-means clustering revealed three profiles: (1) a low sports activity group with moderate health consciousness, (2) a health-conscious group with broad life engagement but lower sports participation, and (3) a sports-oriented group that demonstrated strong interest in sports despite reporting lower self-rated health. The findings suggest that personal value orientation is a stronger predictor of sports participation than disability type or perceived health status. Furthermore, access to sports facilities alone does not guarantee participation, emphasizing the need for motivational and psychological interventions. These results highlight the importance of tailored, value-driven strategies in promoting physical activity among young people with disabilities, shifting focus from disability-specific adaptations to broader engagement-based approaches. Full article

There is abundant evidence that, following community transition or deinstitutionalization, persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience improvements in quality of life and well-being. However, very little research in this area has been conducted in the Canadian context. In this qualitative study, individual in-depth interviewing was used to explore the perspectives of eight Canadian mothers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities regarding their children’s residences and access to services after community transition. Within an interpretive description framework, narrative data collected during semi-structured interviews with participating mothers were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three main themes portraying a combination of positive and negative maternal perspectives emerged from the data: (1) quality of care, (2) quality of life, and (3) health status and behavior. The study findings bring attention to the importance of offering individualized community living options that are person- and family-centered to all persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Full article

Research has largely focussed on public perceptions of people with disabilities, particularly in the media. However, there is a lack of studies exploring how individuals with disabilities themselves experience public disability representation. This scoping review examines the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities regarding such representations. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, published between January 1948 and July 2024, and presented qualitative findings on experienced public disability representation. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, OVID, EBSCO, and Web of Science using variations of the terms ’representation’ and ‘disability’, yielding 32 relevant studies. Data were analysed using both deductive and inductive methods. Deductive thematic analysis aligned the findings with two established media disability representation typologies: traditional and contemporary. Inductive thematic analysis identified three key themes—ignorance, incapability, and otherness—that illustrate how individuals with disabilities experience public representations. Overall, the review found that despite the absence of comparative studies, individuals with diverse disabilities report similar, predominantly negative experiences of public disability representation. Future studies should adopt an intersectional, cross-disability framework to better capture the experiences of people with disabilities, including those with intellectual disabilities. Full article

This study explores employers’ attitudes and practices regarding disclosing and including individuals with invisible disabilities in Greek workplaces. Invisible disabilities present unique challenges regarding workplace inclusion and the disclosure of disability. Through a thematic analysis of structured interviews with 50 employers and human resource professionals from various industries, this research study identifies organizational policies, attitudes toward disability disclosure, the perceived impacts and benefits of hiring individuals with invisible disabilities, and recommendations for workplace inclusivity improvement. The findings reveal a range of employer practices. While many employers acknowledge the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace, there are gaps in formal training and structured policies. Employers have varied views on the necessity and timing of disability disclosure, with some supporting disclosure during hiring to ensure proper accommodations and others prioritizing employee comfort and autonomy. Important advantages of employing individuals with invisible disabilities include improved workplace diversity, increased innovation, and reinforced team unity. This study recommends diversity training, clear disclosure guidelines, and joint initiatives with external organizations to promote inclusivity in the workplace. These findings offer practical recommendations to close the inclusion gap and maximize the capabilities of employees with invisible disabilities. Full article

The purpose of this study is to increase understanding of the college decision-making process for students with disabilities by listening to their perceptions of factors that influenced their decisions related to attending postsecondary education. A semi-structured interview was used to provide descriptive evidence from 20 college-going high school students with disabilities. Content analysis was utilized to evaluate the data collected. The results suggest that the factors influencing the college decision-making process of students without disabilities also influence the decision-making process of students with disabilities. Full article

Support of parents with intellectual disabilities should be long-term and start as early as possible. They, however, often come only into view late. The aim of the present study was to examine the barriers and facilitators in reaching and supporting parents with intellectual disabilities and young children in the Netherlands. Fourteen professionals, three volunteers, and three mothers with intellectual disabilities participated in four focus groups. Results revealed four themes: (1) improve professional development, (2) mutual professional/parent distrust, (3) strengthen support network systems, and (4) improve child welfare system responses. Professionals and policymakers lack knowledge of parents with intellectual disabilities and skills to build trust and support them adequately. Professional development is warranted. The informal network and involvement of fathers is limited and, thus, could be increased. Finally, the way the system is organized impedes adequate support. Long-term involvement and, thus, a different use of resources is needed. Reaching parents with intellectual disabilities as early as possible is important but challenging due to multiple interacting factors. Integral actions at multiple levels are essential to improve preventive care for these parents. Full article

In today’s job market, effective social communication is crucial for employment success. We investigated “Cog ‘n’ Role”, a novel video modeling (VM) intervention that integrates video self-modeling (VSM) and social problem-solving therapy (SPST) to enhance socio-vocational skills in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). The intervention is delivered via “PowerMod”, an application featuring ready-to-use VM scenarios and enhanced accessibility options; our aim was to examine (a) the app’s social validity and (b) the effectiveness of the intervention in improving job-related social skills. Thirty-four adults with IDD used “PowerMod” to view video clips of common workplace scenarios and rated their experiences through questionnaires. Subsequently, seventeen adults who have social difficulties at work participated in four weekly therapy sessions featuring the “Cog ‘n’ Role” intervention via the PowerMod app. Socio-vocational skills were measured through questionnaires filled out by their counselors; participants found the adapted video clips to be significantly more comprehensible and relevant compared to non-adapted video clips. Additionally, the intervention group showed significant improvements in socio-vocational behaviors and a significant transition to jobs that required higher levels of independence. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the impact of this innovative intervention in enhancing socio-vocational skills among individuals with mild to moderate IDD. Full article

Volunteering in sports for people with disabilities is a crucial element for social inclusion and development. Therefore, this systematic review aims to analyze the existing literature on the motivation, satisfaction, engagement, and commitment of volunteers in sports for people with disabilities. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across four databases, the Web of Science, Scopus, PsycInfo, and SportDiscus, resulting in the inclusion of 16 studies. The geographic distribution showed the existence of studies on all continents, particularly in Europe and Asia, and most studies were quantitative. The findings revealed that volunteer motivation was predominantly intrinsic, driven by values, understanding, and personal growth, with less emphasis on extrinsic factors such as career advancement. Satisfaction levels were generally high, particularly among student volunteers, who also showed strong future intentions to continue volunteering. As a conclusion, there was a limited number of studies exclusively focused on volunteers participating in sports for people with disabilities. This review highlights the need for more research on diverse types of disabilities and the development of inclusive policies and training programs to enhance volunteer experiences. The study underscores the importance of recognizing both personal and professional motivators to effectively recruit and retain volunteers in sports organizations supporting people with disabilities. Full article