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Abstract #157236

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Gail C. D Young, MA¹, Barbara Lutz, PhD, RN², Sharleen Simpson, PhD, ARNP², Sandra Winter, OTR/L, MS³, Kim Cox, MN, CNM, ARNP², and Leigh Baker, MN, CNM, ARNP². (1) Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, 4621 SW 69th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32608, 305-785-5317, gaildale@ufl.edu, (2) College of Nursing, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100187, Gainesville, FL 32610, (3) Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, 6120 NW 28th Ter, Gainesville, FL 32653

Persons with mobility impairments (PMI) able to participate in community activities and adapt behaviors that improve quality of life are less likely to experience depression and suicide. However, PMI's still face difficulties in spite of provisions such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. PMI's are less likely to go out to recreational activities, and are twice as likely to have inadequate transportation compared to those without mobility impairments. The purpose of this ethnographic study was to explore accessibility issues of PMI's and their caregivers living in urban communities in North/Central Florida. Individual interviews, focus groups, and field observations were conducted to explore the difficulties, strategies and aids that PMI's employ to improve their community accessibility. A total of 15 adults with mobility impairments and 3 adult caregivers (N = 18) were recruited from local support groups using snowball sampling. Data were analyzed using open and axial coding with the help of NVivo 2.0. The final phases of analysis are still in progress. Preliminary findings show that PMI's were highly motivated to participate in community activities despite difficulties. They used devices such as canes, wheelchairs, and pacemakers to facilitate community participation. They also used strategies such as planning ahead, developing a routine, enlisting help of others, maintaining a positive attitude, and adapting creatively. Self advocacy, community education and action were considered crucial to improving accessibility. These findings highlight the physical and emotional impact of disability, and may inform future research.

Learning Objectives:

1.Describe accessibility issues that PMIs face living in urban communities in North/Central Florida 2.Identify strategies PMIs use to effectively participate in community activities
• Identify strategies that Caregivers employ to aid PMIs effective participation in community activities
• Discuss implications for community improvements and policy development for PMI

Keywords: Community Participation, Caregivers

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

• Audio (mp3) recording
• Slides (pdf) or Handout
• Multimedia recording