Presenters will report results from a three-year project that developed two new surveys designed to examine the influence of environmental factors on participation in life activities by individuals with mobility limitations. The questions used in the participation survey (Mobility Participation Survey - MPS) and the environment survey (Mobility Environmental Survey - MES) were based on information from personal interviews and focus groups. Several versions of the MPS and MES were tested. Revisions to survey formats, question length and item order were made. Over 500 individuals with mobility limitations returned final forms of the surveys. This convenience sample was composed of adults with polio survivors, spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. Major life activities included in this study range from activities of daily living to involvement in recreation, work and family activities. Participation was measured as frequency, time taken to prepare for and complete activity, and attribution of limitation (e.g., health, impairment). Importance, satisfaction and choice in participation will be presented. The use of assistive technology and personal assistance in participation is reviewed. The influences of environmental facilitators and barriers on participation will be described. The internal consistency, test retest reliability and validity of the MPS and MES will be reported for each group and each survey instrument. The Center for Disease Control, Division of Disability and Health funded this project.
Learning Objectives: 1. To describe the development of new survey instruments measuring mobility, participation, and environment. 2. To profile participation by individuals with mobility limitations in major life activities in terms of frequency, limits, support, preparation time, importance, choice, and satisfaction. 3. To identify environmental factors that act as a facilitator and/or a barrier to participation in major life activities by people with mobility limitations
Keywords: Disability, Environment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.