The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #72241

Elaine G. Gerber, PhD, American Foundation for the Blind, 11 Penn Plaza, Suite 300, New York, NY 10001, 212-502-7644, gerber@afb.net and Corinne E Kirchner, PhD, Department of Policy Research and Program Evaluation, American Foundation for the Blind, 11 Penn Plaza, Suite 300, New York, NY 10001.

The field of environmental health has identified a number of negative health consequences associated with urban "sprawl:" asthma, hearing loss from noise pollution, stress infections, lung disease, and waterborne disease outbreaks, not to mention "quality-of-life" issues of an increasingly overpopulated urban environment. Building on a model of universal design, this paper highlights an understudied focus, by examining the intersection between environmental health and disability. Using specific data collected from informal interviews, focus groups, and 200 survey responses about criteria of "livability" by people who are blind or visually impaired (B/VI) in the U.S., we illustrate that what is a necessity for one segment of the population often has more broad reaching consequences. Accessible public transit and the presence of unobstructed sidewalks are just several environmental features that act as "facilitators," enabling B/VI people to participate fully in their communities, including accessing medical care. There is much overlap between the needs of this population and others, notably the elderly (i.e., slower traffic signals, better lighting, etc.), persons with preexisting diseases or inadequate health care (i.e., facilities within walking distance), and children (especially infants and those with asthma). While the field is concerned with the disproportionate disease burden shared by socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, the effect of the environment on people with disabilities generally, and those with visual impairments specifically, has been under examined. This paper addresses that gap, building on "social model" of disability research to measure the impact of the environment on the creation and experience of disability.

Learning Objectives:

Learning Objectives:
• Understand how environmental factors influence the experience of people who are blind or visually impaired.
• Identify specific environmental barriers that may be unique to people who are blind or visually impaired, as well as those that impact larger segments of the community.

Keywords: Disability, Community Building

Related Web page: www.afb.org/livability.asp

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment at the American Foundation for the Blind