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Disabilities
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Mobility, Access, and Participation for Disabled People
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Mobility, Access, and Participation for Disabled People

A special issue of Disabilities (ISSN 2673-7272).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2024) | Viewed by 22442

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. François Routhier

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Guest Editor
1. Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
2. Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, QC G1M 2S8, Canada
Interests: wheelchairs; assistive technology; social participation; environmental factors; participatory research
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Normand Boucher

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Management, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
2. Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, QC G1M 2S8, Canada
Interests: social theories; disability; social participation; policies; participatory research
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted in 2006, aimed to promote, protect, and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their dignity. However, due to accessibility issues pertaining to the social and physical environment, people with mobility impairments continue to experience low levels of social participation and inclusion, which impact their ability to contribute to their community as much as they would like. In some cases, disabled individuals may choose to quit their active lifestyles because of these obstacles. This environment is generating socio-economic conditions that contributed to their depletion impacting their health status on a long-term basis.

Many governments have recently developed new policies and legislation to address this issue. There remains a lack of knowledge, however, about how to best implement these policies to make processes, premises, and attitudes more inclusive of people with disabilities and ensure their relevance at the municipal level, where most accessibility-related changes occur.

This Special Issue aims to highlight mobility and accessibility interventions that promote the participation of individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities and autism. We wish to promote participatory research involving people with disabilities and the organizations that provide them with services, represent them, or advocate for them: municipalities, transportation companies, etc. Potential topics include navigation and pedestrian environment accessibility, transportation accessibility, and social accessibility (attitudinal and social factors), among others. Submitted manuscripts may address policies, rehabilitation interventions, clinical practices, municipal practices, community approaches, etc. We encourage and welcome submissions across a broad range of topics and study types.

Prof. Dr. François Routhier
Dr. Normand Boucher
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Disabilities is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • disability
  • mobility
  • accessibility
  • participation
  • environment
  • barrier-free communities
  • participatory research
  • disability policies
  • social exclusion

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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13 pages, 2369 KiB  
Article
Pilot Testing and Validation of an Educational Game on Transportation Challenges for Mobility Device Users
by Jorge L. Candiotti, Sangmi Park, Chang Dae Lee, Evan J. Rafferty, Rosemarie Cooper and Rory A. Cooper
Disabilities 2024, 4(4), 830-842; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4040051 - 13 Oct 2024
Viewed by 807
Abstract
Despite the increasing use of assistive mobility devices, practical education to navigate real-world ground transportation barriers is lacking. The educational board game, called HERL-Town, was developed to teach safe and effective navigation for mobility device users (MDUs) in the community. The study examined [...] Read more.
Despite the increasing use of assistive mobility devices, practical education to navigate real-world ground transportation barriers is lacking. The educational board game, called HERL-Town, was developed to teach safe and effective navigation for mobility device users (MDUs) in the community. The study examined the initial validity, reliability, and overall quality of HERL-Town as an educational tool for overcoming transportation barriers in real-world environments. HERL-Town featured fifty scenarios focused on transportation barriers and strategies, which were assessed for content validity, while the game quality was evaluated using the Model for the Evaluation of Educational Games (MEEGA+) tool. Twenty-three experienced MDUs and four caregivers participated in the study. The results indicated a good quality score of 60.15 and forty-five scenarios met the content validity standards. The overall reliability of the scenarios was moderate (ICC = 0.729). Early psychometric findings suggest HERL-Town as a promising effective educational game for helping new MDUs and their travel companions navigate safe and effective ground transportation barriers, hence enhancing their confidence, independence, and participation in the community. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mobility, Access, and Participation for Disabled People)
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14 pages, 4286 KiB  
Article
Development and Validation of Virtual Reality Scenarios to Improve Disability Awareness among Museum Employees
by Salman Nourbakhsh, Ume Salmah Abdul Rehman, Hélène Carbonneau and Philippe S. Archambault
Disabilities 2024, 4(3), 525-538; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4030033 - 24 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1142
Abstract
To improve inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWD), it is important to create suitable physical and social environments. This can be done by improving awareness about disability, specifically for employees working in the service and cultural sectors. Virtual reality (VR) simulation can be [...] Read more.
To improve inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWD), it is important to create suitable physical and social environments. This can be done by improving awareness about disability, specifically for employees working in the service and cultural sectors. Virtual reality (VR) simulation can be advantageous by providing an engaging experience highlighting physical accessibility issues, as well as social interactions with virtual avatars. This study’s objective was to validate the content of two disability awareness VR scenarios in museum employees and individuals with disabilities in terms of perceived usefulness. Five PWD and seven museum employees experienced two VR scenarios illustrating a museum visit for a person with low vision or using a wheelchair. The scenarios consisted of different scenes such as finding an accessible entrance and interacting with virtual employees. Participants were interviewed about their experience, with questions related to the realism of the scenarios and their perceived usefulness. Four main themes were identified specifically: emotions, experience, usefulness, and realism. Our scenarios were seen as useful in describing social and physical barriers experienced by PWD. VR can be a valid tool to promote disability awareness among employees in a sociocultural setting, representing a step towards the inclusion of PWD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mobility, Access, and Participation for Disabled People)
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18 pages, 3613 KiB  
Article
The NaviSight Study: Investigating How Diabetic Retinopathy and Retinitis Pigmentosa Affect Navigating the Built Environment
by Laura N. Cushley, Lajos Csincsik, Gianni Virgili, Katie Curran, Giuliana Silvestri, Neil Galway and Tunde Peto
Disabilities 2024, 4(3), 507-524; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4030032 - 23 Jul 2024
Viewed by 999
Abstract
Background: Visual impairment is a global problem and, regardless of the cause, it substantially impacts people’s daily lives. Navigating towns and cities can be one of the most difficult tasks for someone with a visual impairment. This is because our streetscapes are often [...] Read more.
Background: Visual impairment is a global problem and, regardless of the cause, it substantially impacts people’s daily lives. Navigating towns and cities can be one of the most difficult tasks for someone with a visual impairment. This is because our streetscapes are often inaccessible for navigating safely and independently by people with a visual impairment. Barriers include street clutter, bollards, pavement parking, and shared spaces. Methodology: Participants with varying levels of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) were recruited. Each participant completed a clinical visit and a 1-mile walk. Participants discussed confidence, anxiety, difficulty, and any barriers encountered while completing the walkaround. Participants completed quality of life (RetDQol), diabetes distress scales, and a study questionnaire. They also underwent retinal imaging and visual function testing. Retinal imaging and visual function results were compared with confidence, difficulty, and anxiety levels during the walkaround using Spearman’s correlation. Results: Thirty-three participants took part in the study, 22 with diabetes and 11 with RP. Results showed that average confidence was correlated with visual acuity, RetDQol, mean visual fields, and vertical peripheral diameter visual fields. Average difficulty was associated with visual acuity, RetDQol, dark adaptation, mean visual fields, percentage of the retina, and both horizontal and vertical diameter visual fields. In addition, some of the barriers discussed were pavement issues, bollards, parked cars, uneven pavements, alfresco dining, light levels, and street features such as tree roots, poles, A-boards, and street clutter. Conclusions: People with RP and treated DR faced common barriers while navigating the walkaround. The removal of these common barriers would make our streetscapes more accessible for all and will allow for more independence in those with visual impairments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mobility, Access, and Participation for Disabled People)
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29 pages, 351 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Employment Access for People with Disabilities through Transportation: Insights from Workers with Disabilities, Employers, and Transportation Providers
by Alexandra Tessier, Isabelle Gélinas, Normand Boucher, Claire Croteau, Diane Morin and Philippe S. Archambault
Disabilities 2024, 4(2), 384-412; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4020025 - 31 May 2024
Viewed by 1501
Abstract
Transportation is integral to the employment accessibility and sustainability of people with disabilities. This study aims to identify barriers, facilitators, and solutions to commuting for people with disabilities, drawing from their perspectives as well as those of employers and transportation providers. Through semi-structured [...] Read more.
Transportation is integral to the employment accessibility and sustainability of people with disabilities. This study aims to identify barriers, facilitators, and solutions to commuting for people with disabilities, drawing from their perspectives as well as those of employers and transportation providers. Through semi-structured individual interviews, insights were gathered from sixteen individuals with disabilities, seven employers, two job integration agents, and four transporters. Qualitative analysis of the interview transcripts revealed factors influencing commuting, including personal attributes and environmental factors. This study underscores the significant impact of environmental factors, particularly the role of social networks and transport infrastructure in either supporting or hindering public transportation use for people with disabilities who commute to work. For example, employers’ limited awareness of their employees’ commuting challenges contrasts with their recognition of their potential role in supporting it. Training and disability awareness initiatives emerge as pivotal solutions to empower individuals within the social network, including transport personnel, fellow passengers, and employers, to facilitate public transportation use by people with disabilities for work commutes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mobility, Access, and Participation for Disabled People)
34 pages, 2061 KiB  
Article
Public Transport in the Disabling City: A Narrative Ethnography of Dilemmas and Strategies of People with Mobility Disabilities
by Juan Camilo Mansilla, Normand Boucher and François Routhier
Disabilities 2024, 4(1), 228-261; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4010015 - 18 Mar 2024
Viewed by 2017
Abstract
Access to transport is key to people’s movement in cities, their social participation, and personal development. People with mobility disabilities (PMDs) face additional barriers when using public transport. The objective of this study is to identify the dilemmas that PMDs face in their [...] Read more.
Access to transport is key to people’s movement in cities, their social participation, and personal development. People with mobility disabilities (PMDs) face additional barriers when using public transport. The objective of this study is to identify the dilemmas that PMDs face in their daily mobility practices and their coping strategies, in particular the ways in which these dilemmas and strategies are influenced by both personal and environmental characteristics. We conducted ethnographic research, utilizing narrative interviews, life stories, focus groups, and participant observations. Our aim was to analyse multiple experiences of mobility in situations of disability in Quebec City, Canada. This study engages the following research question: how do PMDs navigate their social environment, considering the impact of personal, social, and physical landscape factors on their mobility strategies? Depending on the accessibility of fixed-route public buses and the availability of public paratransit services, what are the dilemmas that PMDs face and how do they shape their mobility strategies? Using the three-dimensional model of narrative analysis, we present a narrative ethnography of participants’ dilemmas and strategies about their experiences on public transport. Five dilemmas are examined. Through this methodology, we propose to extend the study of “constellations of mobility” by including the notion of strategies as an experiential outcome between personal and physical landscape factors, practices, and meanings of mobility. This offers new research perspectives both in disability and mobility studies and in the understanding of urban accessibility experiences in situations of disability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mobility, Access, and Participation for Disabled People)
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16 pages, 293 KiB  
Article
Wheelchair Dance: Exploring a Novel Approach to Enhance Wheelchair Skills, Belongingness and Inclusion among Children with Mobility Limitations
by Jade Berthiaume, Claire Cherriere, Béatrice Ouellet, Laurence Éthier, Paula W. Rushton, Martin Lemay and Krista L. Best
Disabilities 2024, 4(1), 212-227; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4010014 - 18 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2143
Abstract
Playful approaches are recommended to enhance wheelchair skills training with young people. Inclusive dance allows participants to discover motor skills and improve social participation. Integrating wheelchair skills training into dance has not been evaluated. This study aimed to explore participants’ experiences in dance [...] Read more.
Playful approaches are recommended to enhance wheelchair skills training with young people. Inclusive dance allows participants to discover motor skills and improve social participation. Integrating wheelchair skills training into dance has not been evaluated. This study aimed to explore participants’ experiences in dance while integrating wheelchair skills, and the influence of dance on wheelchair skills and wheelchair use confidence in young people. A convergent mixed-methods design was used during a one-week dance camp. Data collection combined observations, two focus groups (with young dancers who used manual wheelchairs and with professional dancers without disabilities), and evaluation of wheelchair skills and confidence. Data analyses included deductive thematic analysis guided by the Quality Parasport Participation Framework, merged with pre–post comparisons in wheelchair skills and confidence. Three young female dancers were 11, 12 and 15 years of age and three professional female dancers were 22, 27 and 27 years of age. Emergent themes included skill mastery, belongingness, and supportive environments. There were improvements in wheelchair skills and confidence (16.7%, 19.4%, 16.7%; 0.8%, 11.4%, 4.5%, respectively). Participants described overall positive experiences with the dance camp and perceived enhanced skills and confidence. This study advances knowledge about innovative approaches to integrate wheelchair skills training for young people. Future larger-scale controlled studies are needed to determine efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mobility, Access, and Participation for Disabled People)
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18 pages, 2459 KiB  
Article
Multiple-Stakeholder Perspectives on Accessibility Data and the Use of Socio-Technical Tools to Improve Sidewalk Accessibility
by Delphine Labbé, Yochai Eisenberg, Devon Snyder, Judy Shanley, Joy M. Hammel and Jon E. Froehlich
Disabilities 2023, 3(4), 621-638; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities3040040 - 28 Nov 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1868
Abstract
For people with disabilities, accessible pedestrian infrastructure can support independence, mobility, and improved quality of life. Yet, most pedestrian infrastructure presents barriers that impede movement. A major challenge for cities to improve pedestrian accessibility is the lack of reliable data on sidewalk accessibility. [...] Read more.
For people with disabilities, accessible pedestrian infrastructure can support independence, mobility, and improved quality of life. Yet, most pedestrian infrastructure presents barriers that impede movement. A major challenge for cities to improve pedestrian accessibility is the lack of reliable data on sidewalk accessibility. Little is known about the type of data needed for cities, as well as how different stakeholders perceive and use sidewalk data. Therefore, this study seeks to explore the perceptions of multiple stakeholders on the use, gathering, and application of sidewalk accessibility data. We conducted a series of workshops with 51 participants, including people with disabilities, caregivers, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinators, and urban planners, to discuss sidewalk accessibility data and data collection tools. We used the socio-technological tool Project Sidewalk as an example. Participants identified various uses for the accessibility data such as route planning, barrier removal plans, and advocacy, and discussed issues of usability, trust, access, and accessibility of the data and tools. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of important factors that impact the use and application of accessibility data and how to implement accessibility data collection initiatives that utilize socio-technological approaches such as crowdsourcing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mobility, Access, and Participation for Disabled People)
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14 pages, 325 KiB  
Article
Exploring Knowledge of the Concept of Physical Literacy among Rehabilitation Professionals, Students and Coaches Practicing in a Pediatric Setting
by Margaux Hebinck, Roxanne Pelletier, Mariève Labbé, Krista L. Best and Maxime T. Robert
Disabilities 2023, 3(4), 493-506; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities3040031 - 20 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2256
Abstract
Approximately 22% of Canadian children with physical disabilities meet the daily physical activity recommendations. Physical activity is attributed to physical literacy, a conceptualization of the domains required to be physically active throughout life. In Canada, pediatric rehabilitation professionals’ and coaches’ roles are essential [...] Read more.
Approximately 22% of Canadian children with physical disabilities meet the daily physical activity recommendations. Physical activity is attributed to physical literacy, a conceptualization of the domains required to be physically active throughout life. In Canada, pediatric rehabilitation professionals’ and coaches’ roles are essential for developing physical literacy. The aim of the study was to explore knowledge of physical literacy and strategies for developing physical literacy for children with physical disabilities among pediatric rehabilitation professionals, students, and coaches in Quebec. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with pediatric rehabilitation professionals, students and coaches and thematically analyzed using NVivo. Twenty professionals and students reported having variable knowledge about physical literacy, but suggested that adaptation, play and interdisciplinarity were essential in the development of physical literacy for children with physical disabilities. Participants highlighted the need to redefine fundamental movement skills for children with physical disabilities. Despite perceiving varied knowledge of the physical literacy concept, pediatric rehabilitation professionals and coaches described essential domains to foster physical literacy in children with disabilities. Pediatric rehabilitation professionals and coaches play a vital role in fostering physical literacy. Therefore, it is essential to support the development of knowledge that may support professionals, such as through training programs and continuing education. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mobility, Access, and Participation for Disabled People)
22 pages, 549 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Quality of Life of People with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Who Can Ambulate
by Murveena Jeawon, Bethany Hase, Susanna Miller, Janice Eng, Andrea Bundon, Habib Chaudhury, Jocelyn Maffin, Ryan Clarkson, Jenna Wright and W. Ben Mortenson
Disabilities 2023, 3(4), 455-476; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities3040029 - 6 Oct 2023
Viewed by 2015
Abstract
(1) Purpose: To examine associations between subjective quality of life and other socio-demographic variables and to explore differences in experiences of people with different levels of quality of life (low, moderate, high). (2) Materials and methods: Semi-structured interviews and standardized measures of mobility, [...] Read more.
(1) Purpose: To examine associations between subjective quality of life and other socio-demographic variables and to explore differences in experiences of people with different levels of quality of life (low, moderate, high). (2) Materials and methods: Semi-structured interviews and standardized measures of mobility, function, health-related quality-of-life, and quality-of-life were used to collect the data for this mixed-method study. (3) Results: Twenty-four participants were interviewed with an average age of 55 years and 54% were male. High quality of life, according to quantitative analysis, was strongly associated with being male, attending rehabilitation, and being married. The qualitative findings supported the quantitative findings and also revealed that people with a low quality of life felt the neighborhood-built environment was not supportive of people with incomplete spinal cord injury who can walk. Participants who reported a low/moderate quality of life reported feeling devalued by able-bodied people and that their mobility was getting worse over time. (4) Conclusion: Findings suggest that those with incomplete spinal cord injuries who can walk could benefit from improved quality of life by modifying their social support and neighborhood’s built environment. For instance, sensitivity training for the general population could help to reduce negative attitudes and misperceptions about invisible impairments and promote inclusion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mobility, Access, and Participation for Disabled People)
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16 pages, 1337 KiB  
Systematic Review
Communication Challenges for People with Chronic Aphasia: A Systematic Qualitative Review of Barriers and Facilitators in Local Services
by Sarah-Ève Poirier, Laurie-Anne Voyer, Valérie Poulin, Marie-Eve Lamontagne and Laura Monetta
Disabilities 2024, 4(3), 616-631; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4030038 - 27 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1886
Abstract
Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder caused by a cerebral lesion, such as a stroke. People with aphasia can experience various difficulties that may involve speaking, listening, reading, or writing. These difficulties have multiple impacts on their expression of their needs, interests, and [...] Read more.
Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder caused by a cerebral lesion, such as a stroke. People with aphasia can experience various difficulties that may involve speaking, listening, reading, or writing. These difficulties have multiple impacts on their expression of their needs, interests, and opinions. Accordingly, people with aphasia often encounter barriers and facilitators when using local services, which reduces their participation. For instance, grocery shopping or going to a coffee house can be challenging for them. Hence, this systematic review was conducted to synthetize the barriers and facilitators for people with aphasia when using local services. Following the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research guidelines, five databases and Google Scholar were searched for the literature published through April 2024. A total of nine studies were included in the present work. The results highlight that most of the barriers to communicational access to local services are environmental ones related to other people or society. A few environmental facilitators were mentioned, but these were mainly a reflection of the barriers. Personal facilitators were noted, but people with aphasia said that they were insufficient for counterbalancing environmental barriers. The results highlight the need to raise awareness of aphasia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mobility, Access, and Participation for Disabled People)
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18 pages, 3346 KiB  
Case Report
Power Mobility, Supported Standing and Stepping Device Use in the First Two Years of Life: A Case Report of Twins Functioning at GMFCS V
by Roslyn W. Livingstone, Angela J. Chin and Ginny S. Paleg
Disabilities 2023, 3(4), 507-524; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities3040032 - 31 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2280
Abstract
Mobility experience has a positive impact on activity, participation, socialisation, language and cognition, but children with cerebral palsy (CP), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V require assistive devices or assistance in all environments. Supported standing devices afford upright, weight-bearing positions to [...] Read more.
Mobility experience has a positive impact on activity, participation, socialisation, language and cognition, but children with cerebral palsy (CP), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V require assistive devices or assistance in all environments. Supported standing devices afford upright, weight-bearing positions to promote muscle, bone, joint and overall health. Supported stepping devices afford stepping and upright independent mobility, positively impacting self-esteem and participation, while power mobility is the only possibility for effective, independent community mobility. These devices and opportunities should be introduced at the age when children who are typically developing are pulling to stand, moving and exploring their environment. A detailed case description including lived experience and device use data is presented for female twins with dystonic tetraplegic CP born at 25 weeks gestational age and functioning at GMFCS level V. The feasibility of using power mobility, standing and stepping devices in home and community settings within the first two years is illustrated. The twins transitioned from spending 24 h in lying positions or being held in arms to spending more than 2 h daily in upright positions and having opportunities to move independently. Positioning and mobility devices can help to address all the F-words for child development: functioning, family, fitness, fun, friends and future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mobility, Access, and Participation for Disabled People)
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