Persons with Mobility Impairments and Caregivers: Factors that aid community mobility

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.