Persons with disabilities face inequalities due to barriers that restrict their participation in community activities and access to places. Mobility is an important prerequisite of community participation and health of persons with and without disabilities.

In Switzerland, political aims to make public transport accessible by the end of 2023 were not met. A study led by the Research Unit of Occupational Therapy also showed that public transport services are not available or accessible to all those affected in Switzerland and that their activities in the community are restricted.

There are no studies that examine the community participation of persons with disabilities in relation to mobility, health, and satisfaction, especially in comparison to those without disabilities.

The research objective is to provide evidence and policy options regarding mobility, community participation, and health of persons with and without disabilities in Switzerland.

The specific aims are:

1. Assess differences between persons with and without disabilities in terms of visiting frequencies to important places, variety of transportation modes, level of community participation, satisfaction and quality of life.
2. Examine how the frequency of visiting important places and the use of different transportation modes correlate with self-rated community participation and satisfaction for persons with and without disabilities
3. Identify factors that hinder or support community participation and mobility for persons with disabilities, including personal perspectives on transportation needs.
4. Develop and validate policy options and tailor them to the Swiss federal context to increase persons with disabilities community participation in relation to their needs.

We employ a mixed method-design, implementing qualitative and quantitative studies across all parts of Switzerland, using research methods such as narrative interviews, photovoice and nationwide surveys. Participants for the studies include persons 18 years of age and above with disabilities and/or chronic conditions.

We expect multiple impacts from the project, including increased knowledge of the needs of persons with disabilities regarding mobility, community participation, and health. Additionally, the identified barriers and facilitators will provide better insights into the modifications needed in the environment. Finally, the policy options will serve as a foundation to reduce environmental barriers and increase accessibility for all.

• Menschen mit Mobilitätseinschränkungen für Studie gesucht (German only)
  Web news, June 2024

• Project lead
• Prof. Dr. phil. Brigitte Gantschnig, Leiterin Forschung und Entwicklung Institut für Ergotherapie ZHAW
  Prof. Dr. Isabel Margot-Cattin, Professor Haute école de travail social et de la santé HES-SO
• Projekt period
  2024 - 2028
• Project team
  Prof. Dr. Staffan Josephsson, Docent Karolinska Institutet
  Prof. Dr. Ann-Helen Patomella, Senior Lecturer Karolinska Institutet
  Dr. Sarah Mantwill, Research Manager Swiss Learning Health System (SLHS) 
  Sara Frey, Ergotherapeutin MSc, Doktorandin 
  Clémence Orain, Ergotherapeutin MSc, Doktorandin 
  Selina Egger, Ergotherapeutin MSc, Doktorandin 
• Projekt partners
  Haute École Spécialisée de Suisse Occidentale HES-SO
  Karolinska Institutet
  Schweizerische Bundesbahnen SBB
  Pro Infirmis
  Fussverkehr Schweiz
  BETAX Genossenschaft
  Association Transport Handicap Vaud
  Sensability
  Swiss Learning Health System SLHS, Universität Luzern
• Funding
  Schweizerischer Nationalfonds SNF (Project Nr. 220493)
• Project status
  ongoing