Barriers to wheelchair use in the winter

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation science
• Environmental psychology
• Disability studies

Background:

• Winter weather presents unique challenges for community participation.
• Individuals using wheeled mobility devices (WMDs) may face greater obstacles than the general population.
• Understanding these barriers is crucial for enhancing accessibility and inclusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess if winter weather poses greater challenges to community participation for WMD users compared to ambulatory individuals.
• To identify the most significant environmental barriers encountered by WMD users during winter.
• To inform strategies for mitigating these challenges and promoting participation.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted in an urban Canadian community.
• The survey focused on five environmental domains: technological, natural, physical, social/attitudinal, and policy.
• A convenience sample of 99 WMD users or their proxies participated.

Main Results:

• 42% of WMD users reported reduced outing frequency in winter, linked to age, lack of transportation support, and device type (scooters).
• Over 90% reported issues with snow-stuck tires, ice-slipping casters, and difficulty on inclines; 85% experienced cold hands.
• 99% found sidewalks/roads problematic, 80% needed extra help, and reduced access led to loneliness, isolation, and safety concerns.

Conclusions:

• Multiple environmental barriers significantly decrease community participation for WMD users in cold weather.
• Addressing these barriers requires a multidimensional approach involving clinicians, researchers, and policymakers.
• Mitigation strategies can enhance winter community participation for WMD users.