Manufacturers perceptions of the barriers and facilitators of designing and producing accessible fitness equipment: A qualitative study.

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted to learn manufacturer perceptions of the barriers and facilitators of designing and producing accessible fitness equipment. Eight participants familiar with the ASTM International (formally the American Society for Testing and Materials) Universal Design of Fitness Equipment standards were interviewed via a virtual platform. Audio recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and independently coded by two investigators using thematic analysis. Two primary themes emerged from the data, 1) Challenges and 2) Tipping the Scale. Challenges included a humanitarian versus a business model view, application of the ASTM International standards, lack of a market analysis, and safety and liability. Facilitators deemed appropriate to tip the scale include consideration of a carrot (reward) versus a stick (punitive measures), availability of a market analysis, ASTM International standard modifications and enlisting activism for cultural change and development of laws and policies to mandate inclusion of accessible fitness space and equipment. Legislative action appears to be a primary facilitator to increase the design, development, and availability of accessible equipment in fitness centers.

Physical Activity Self-Efficacy in Older Adults with Vision Loss: A Grounded Theory Study.

The purpose of this study was to develop a model describing the process of how older adults with age-related macular degeneration develop physical activity self-efficacy. The primary aim of this research was to determine how adults with age-related macular degeneration living in a southeastern metropolitan area develop physical activity self-efficacy. Sixteen older adults with age-related macular degeneration participated in face-to-face interviews and observations of their regular physical activity. Grounded theory approach was used to identify emerging themes and a model describing the development of physical activity self-efficacy in this cohort. Five themes related to the development of physical activity self-efficacy emerged: 1) physical activity engagement, 2) self-management behaviors, 3) physical activity determinants, 4) strategies, and 5) self-perceived benefits. These themes were analyzed to produce a preliminary model describing the development of physical activity self-efficacy in older adults with age-related macular degeneration. Findings provide a preliminary model, which practitioners can use to facilitate self-efficacy and participation in physical activity in older adults with age-related macular degeneration.

Effectiveness of the International Symbol of Access and inclusivity of other disability groups.

BACKGROUND: The International Symbol of Access (ISA) is recognized world-wide for designating and identifying areas which are wheelchair accessible, however its meaning has evolved to include both restricted use and universal accessibility. OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to investigate the effectiveness of the ISA in representing individuals of all impairment types. METHODS: A mixed-method survey was disseminated in the U.S. and internationally to persons without self-identified impairment and individuals of various impairment group types, including mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive impairments, using convenience sampling (n = 981). Quantitative data was analyzed using ranking patterns and regression analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis and triangulation. RESULTS: Participants with self-identified mobility impairments rated the ISA more favorably than other disability groups (p = 0.002). In addition, there is a significant correlation between age and effectiveness of the ISA, with participants rating the symbol more favorably as age increases. Common themes included association of the ISA with a mobility impairment, implications for restricted use or reserved space, and physical accessibility. CONCLUSIONS: The ISA is not effective in representing individuals with non-mobility impairments and its ambiguous nature leads to confusion for both persons with and without impairment.

Examining perceptions of existing and newly created accessibility symbols.

BACKGROUND: Symbols are used to convey messages in a clear, understandable manner, without the use of written language. The most widely recognized symbol used to denote access for persons with disabilities is the International Symbol of Access. This symbol has been criticized for its inadequate representation of disability diversity poorly representing universal design of space and products. OBJECTIVE: This descriptive study explored individual comprehension and perceptions of nine existing and newly created accessibility pictograph symbols and identified one that represented universal access to fitness equipment. METHODS: A survey was disseminated electronically and face-to-face to individuals, groups and organizations affiliated with inclusive fitness equipment, space and programming. Quantitative data was analyzed for descriptive statistics, rank order of symbols and group comparisons of rankings. Thematic analysis of open-ended question results revealed themes to enhance understanding of symbol rank order. RESULTS: 981 participants completed the survey. Symbol four, shaped as a Venn diagram containing three icons representing individuals with varying ability levels, was ranked highest with no significant differences in group comparisons between participants with and without a disability and U.S. residents versus non-U.S. residents. 85.4% of participants demonstrated accurate comprehension of this symbol. Though symbol five had the same symbol rank median value, this symbol's distribution of scores was lower. CONCLUSIONS: Participants accurately comprehended symbol four and it was identified as the highest ranked symbol representing universal access to fitness equipment. Because of symbol unfamiliarity, adoption will require education and consistency of use and placement.

Client and therapist perspectives on the influence of low vision and chronic conditions on performance and occupational therapy intervention.

OBJECTIVE: We explored how vision loss and comorbid chronic conditions influence occupational therapy intervention by gathering perspectives from occupational therapists treating clients with low vision and from older adults with low vision. METHOD: We surveyed 59 occupational therapists on the frequency of comorbidities in their clients and their influence on low vision intervention. Eight older adults with low vision participated in in-depth interviews and observations on the influence of low vision and comorbidities on their occupational performance. Conclusions reflect data analysis from both methods. RESULTS: The occupational therapists modified low vision interventions to address the added effect of each comorbidity. Modifications included more treatment sessions, home visits, referrals to other professions, and provision of strategies to address comorbidities. The older adults viewed vision loss as a stronger influence than comorbidities on independence in daily occupations. CONCLUSION: Both vision loss and comorbidities influence occupational performance, supporting the need for interventions to address both conditions.

Perspectives on home safety: do home safety assessments address the concerns of clients with vision loss?

PURPOSE: We explored the occupational performance and home safety perspectives of older adults with vision loss. Our study focused on the person-environment interaction to ascertain whether participants' concerns are addressed by three commonly used home safety assessments. METHOD: Twenty-two older adults with vision loss participated in face-to-face interviews regarding their perspectives on home safety. We compared categories generated from a content analysis of the data with the contents of three standardized home safety assessments. RESULTS: Five categories of home safety emerged from the analysis: (1) lighting, (2) contrast, (3) visual distractions, (4) glare, and (5) compensation strategies. Comparisons of content in the three home safety assessments with emerged categories revealed that study participants had specific concerns about home safety that were not thoroughly addressed in the selected assessments. CONCLUSION: The findings provide preliminary content areas that should be included in the development of a home assessment specific to the low vision population.