To date, progress in creating objective measures of the environment as it impacts on the community participation of people with a physical mobility limitation has been impeded by methodological constraints arising from a linear, standard-focused model of person-environment interactions. Such an approach rests upon untested assumptions about the additive properties of barriers and facilitators. An alternative approach, using a transactional model focused on the process of mutual accommodation between the individual and the various levels of the environment (proximal to distal) is proposed. This approach, which focuses on the process, as well as the outcomes of community participation, captures the curvilinear relationship between various configurations of person-environment characteristics and levels of engagement and satisfaction with community participation on the part of individuals with a physical mobility limitation. The investigators have developed a conceptual model to permit the characterization of the degree of receptivity of geographically dispersed communities in the Midwest to the needs of individuals with physical mobility limitations. The model will be explored through a combination of qualitative techniques, including key informant interviews and diaries, together with quantitative data gathered from standardized instruments (including the PARTS and FABS).
Learning Objectives: 1. Better understand the complexity of person environment transactions in complex proximal and distal environments 2. Appreciate the importance of receptivity of the environment in developing objective measures satisfaction and participation of persons with physical mobility impairment. 3. Understand methods necessary to capture the salient, meaningful aspects of the environment
Keywords: Environment, Disability
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.