Social Participation among Adults with Disabilities: The Role of the Urban Environment

Research on the role of the environment in the disablement process has been largely absent. Using data from the Chicago Community Adult Health Study (2002), we examined the role of the built physical and social environment on social participation (interpersonal interactions and relationships) among adults age 45+ (N=1195) according to their level of difficulty walking several blocks (no difficulty vs. some or a lot of difficulty). The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) was used to identify and map the key variables for analysis. Built environment characteristics were assessed using systematic social observation to independently rate indicators of crime, social disorder, physical decay, and neighborhood security in the block surrounding each respondent's residence in Chicago. Using linear regression (controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, income, health conditions, and cognition) we found that adults with mobility difficulty (ICF d450) were significantly less likely to interact with friends, neighbors or relatives (ICF d9205) than adults who reported no difficulty walking (p<.01). However, living in a safe neighborhood in Chicago (characterized by the presence of neighborhood crime watch signs and security warning signs (ICF e545)) facilitated social participation among those with walking difficulty (p<.01). In these safe neighborhoods there was no difference in the frequency of social interaction between those with and without walking difficulties. Neighborhood safety had no effect on the frequency of social participation among adults who could walk independently. These results highlight the characteristics of urban environments that can facilitate participation among those with mobility limitations.