"An Environment Built to Include Rather than Exclude Me": Creating Inclusive Environments for Human Well-Being

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy
• Public health
• Disability studies

Background:

• Contemporary health discourse challenges the 'absence of disease' model, promoting holistic wellbeing.
• Individuals with disability have advanced understanding of environmental impacts on health and inclusion.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as wellbeing, influencing policy and occupational therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze environmental supports and accommodations for individuals with disability.
• To identify facilitators and barriers to inclusive community environments.
• To explore the roles of individuals, professionals, and society in environmental change.

Main Methods:

• In-depth analysis of data from a cohort of 100 individuals living with disability.
• Qualitative identification of environmental facilitators and barriers.
• Discussion of findings in relation to individual and societal responsibilities.

Main Results:

• Environmental factors significantly influence inclusion and wellbeing for people with disability.
• Both facilitators and barriers within community environments were identified.
• Current professional practices often focus narrowly on local environmental factors.

Conclusions:

• Environmental change is essential for promoting inclusion and wellbeing.
• A multi-level approach considering subjective experiences and societal structures is needed.
• Recommendations include applying human rights and inclusive economics theories to environmental interventions.