Barriers and facilitators to community mobility for assistive technology users

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Science
• Disability Studies
• Assistive Technology Research

Background:

• Contemporary disability models emphasize environmental factors alongside individual function.
• Assistive technology (AT) is vital for many individuals with impairments.
• Understanding user perspectives on mobility barriers is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify consumer perspectives on barriers and facilitators to optimal mobility.
• To explore the impact of AT and environmental factors on community mobility for impaired Victorians.
• To assess unmet needs and their effect on life outcomes and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• An accessible survey was administered to 100 assistive technology users in Victoria, Australia.
• Data collection focused on community mobility, environmental interventions, and AT access.
• Analysis examined facilitators and barriers impacting actual and desired life outcomes.

Main Results:

• Key barriers included access to AT devices, inadequate public transport, and non-inclusive community environments.
• Significant unmet needs were identified, leading to restricted personal mobility and community participation.
• Current outcomes often fall short of established policy and human rights principles.

Conclusions:

• Accessible and inclusive home and community environments, alongside AT devices, are critical for maximizing mobility.
• Environmental factors significantly influence an individual's capacity for community mobility.
• Rehabilitation practitioners should consider systemic advocacy for accessible communities in addition to prescribing AT devices.