A user-led audit of the walkability and wheelability of Quebec City’s neighborhoods by mobility assistive technology users

Abstract

For mobility assistive technology (MAT) users, environmental obstacles or helpful elements can make the difference between disabling situations and social participation. User led environmental evaluations can highlight difficulties MAT users experience, which can inform changes to the built and social environment. This study used the Stakeholders’ Walkability/Wheelability Audit in Neighbourhood People with Disabilities (SWAN-PDW) to identify observable (objective) and experienced (subjective) barriers/obstacles and facilitators/helpful features encountered by 25 MAT users in their daily lives in three residential environments (i.e. urban, semi-urban and suburban) in Quebec City (Canada). Because the participants’ were directly involved in the identification of obstacles and helpful elements, this type of user-led evaluation may empower MAT users to initiate discussions with the relevant authorities. By acknowledging the difficulties and opportunities encountered by MAT users, stakeholders can use these individuals’ expertise in the planning and decision-making processes to improve access for all citizens.

Points of interest

• This study used a user-led audit to identify observable (objective) and experienced (subjective) barriers/obstacles and facilitators/helpful features encountered by mobility-aid users in their daily lives in three residential environments in Quebec City (Canada).

• Barriers in the built environment, mainly regarding intersections and sidewalks, as well as access to locations, were problematic. Many participants found solutions, such as help from their friends and family, to overcome certain obstacles or modify their traveling habits.

• The use of observable (objective) and experienced (subjective) evaluations to improve the environment could inform more adequate and accessible solutions by not only considering what would be necessary for access, but also by highlighting the day-to-day experiences of those who would benefit most from environmental improvements.

• By acknowledging the obstacles and helpful features encountered by mobility-aid users, stakeholders can use these individuals’ expertise in the planning and decision-making processes to improve access for all citizens.

Keywords:

• Environmental audit
• user-led tool
• urban street design
• mobility assistive technology
• participatory research

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported.

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This research project was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Grant # 895-2013-1021. François Routhier is supported by a Scholar salary grant from Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (Québec Health Research Funds). W. Ben Mortenson’s work was supported by CIHR New Investigator Award.