Date Presented 04/05/19
Primary Author and Speaker: Linda Struckmeyer
Additional Authors and Speakers: Carlyn Ellison
Contributing Authors: Nichole Campbell
The purpose of this study was to identify innovative accessible, affordable, and attractive solutions that re-purpose residential fixtures or spaces to improve accessibility for individuals with functional limitations. Substantial progress has been made in the development of design guidelines and accessibility benefitting persons with disabilities or functional limitations (Ostroff, 2011). Yet issues remain, particularly regarding accessibility challenges incorporating these into existing residences due to spatial and structural constraints (Helle et al, 2013). One direction for addressing these issues is the concept of re-purposing fixtures or spaces. The challenge is to identify the most effective re-purposed spaces and fixtures addressing problematic residential living for individuals with functional limitations and ways in which repurposing could be implemented in a manner that residents of existing small-scale, attached housing deem accessible, affordable and attractive. Our specific research question was “What problems and innovative solutions are used by consumers and professionals that re-purpose fixtures or spaces to improve accessibility for individuals with functional limitations. “In addition to answering the research question a secondary aim was to provide data to inform the next phase of a larger research project that included design charrettes and will include virtual reality designs based on problems and solutions identified from the focus groups.
DESIGN: This qualitative study was part of a larger study (Project Re-envision) funded by the US department of Housing and Urban Development. Two focus groups were conducted. One focus group was professionals in the field of home modifications. The other focus group was consumers with physical or visual limitations who have had home modifications. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Resources for recruiting included the local Center for Independent Living and the Project Re-envision advisory board. The professional group consisted of participants from occupational and physical therapy, building, and architecture.
METHOD: Two focus groups (N=16) were conducted. Questions posed to both groups were similar. In addition to the focus group questions asked, participants were shown three images of spaces (kitchen, bathroom, and first floor accessible studio) and asked to respond with opinions on the accessibility of the spaces. Data analysis was completed by three researchers using open and axial coding. Initial themes were shared with the entire project team and with a separate group of qualitative researchers. After feedback is further reviewed consensus of final themes will be determined by the research team.
RESULTS: Preliminary results are presented here. Participants identified common problems with related solutions they experienced with accessibility. Safety, flexibility of fixtures and spaces, avoidance of major remodeling, and visibility of fixtures and thresholds were themes. Professional participants identified the need for time to collaborate with clients and the home modification team. Consumers identified the importance of social support systems in the home modification process. Both groups shared resources for obtaining information and equipment needed for accessibility.
CONCLUSION: Themes related to problems and solutions of accessibility were safety, flexibility of fixtures and spaces, avoidance of major remodeling, and visibility of fixtures and thresholds. Further research is needed to reach saturation and confirm findings with a larger sample size.
IMPACT STATEMENT: The results of this study were used to inform design charrettes and will be helpful to occupational therapists making home modification recommendations.
References
Helle, T., Iwarsson, S., & Brandt, Å. (2013). Validation of Housing Standards Addressing Accessibility. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 33(7), 848-869. doi:10.1177/0733464813503042
Ostroff, E. (2011). Universal design: an evolving paradigm. Universal design handbook, 2, 34-42.
Patton, M. Q. (2009). Qualitative research & evaluation methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
