Citation

Ripat J, Colatruglio A. Occup. Ther. Health Care 2015; 30(1): 95-106.

Affiliation

a Department of Occupational Therapy , University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , Manitoba , Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3109/07380577.2015.1057669

PMID

26295488

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding of what people who use wheeled mobility devices (WMDs; e.g., manual and power wheelchairs, and scooters) identify as environmental barriers to community participation in cold weather climates, and to explore recommendations to overcome environmental barriers to community participation. Researchers conducted an online asynchronous focus group that spanned seven days, with eight individuals who use WMDs. Each day, participants were asked to respond to a moderator-provided question, and to engage with one another around the topic area. The researchers analyzed the verbatim data using an inductive content-analysis approach. Four categories emerged from the data: (1) winter barriers to community participation; (2) life resumes in spring and summer; (3) change requires awareness, education, and advocacy; and (4) winter participation is a right. Participants confirmed that it is a collective responsibility to ensure that WMD users are able to participate in the community throughout the seasons.

Language: en