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Purpose: This paper aims to explore residents' perceptions of a refurbishment programme to sheltered housing schemes and its impact on their well-being. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology draws upon a realist evaluation framework. Four participatory appraisals (PAs) and 19 interviews with residents were conducted in the sheltered housing schemes. Ages of participants ranged from 50 to 99 years. Findings: Two categories of residents were identified: healthy active older adults and older frail adults (or over 85+). Residents said their social and emotional well-being improved from the provision of indoor and outdoor communal areas. Older frail residents only accessed the new communal spaces when staff took them in their wheelchairs. The physical changes increased opportunities for social connections for residents. Conservatories and sensory gardens were most popular. Residents felt that structured activities in the new spaces and digital training would improve their social activities. Research limitations/implications: The participatory methods spanned over an hour, and some residents felt too tired to complete the full session. Practical implications: A practical limitation was that some sensory rooms were not fully completed at the time of the evaluation. Originality/value: This paper adds the following: Perceptions of residents of a refurbishment programme in sheltered housing and the impact on their well-being. Perceptions of residents about social activities after a refurbishment programme. Perceptions of residents about the impact of physical changes to their sheltered housing schemes and impact on their internal accessibility to the improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This investigation aims to critically assess accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs) at music festivals in the UK. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic review of the literature was conducted, followed by a case study focused on analysing accessible facilities and services offered at Glastonbury, Creamfields, Latitudes and Bestival Festivals. These two research strategies made use of secondary data only. Findings: Based on the analysis of the needs of PWDs when attending a music festival and the facilities and services currently offered at the four UK music festivals studied in this research, three themes emerged: (1) insufficient attention is given to venue and site design characteristics, (2) current access booking tools appear to be confusing and bureaucratic and (3) staff awareness is of great concern among PWDs because employees do not have sufficient knowledge about the different types of disabilities and their individual needs. Practical implications: By identifying current barriers affecting the experience of PWDs while attending music festivals in the UK, this research guides festival managers to deliver a more accessible music festival experience by suggesting the implementation of new approaches in terms of services and physical spaces provided. Originality/value: This paper provides festival managers and future researchers with an essential foundation for creating more inclusive music festivals since it mentions critical factors that are currently missing and that can ensure success when responding to PWDs' needs and desires. The information in this investigation can be taken as an initial point to develop a theoretical framework through primary research focused on accessible festival design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The paper aims to present the prototype of a graphical touch screen of thermal signs for the blind. Design/methodology/approach - The surface of every Peltier pump is a touch point that demands the thermal stabilization. Miniature Peltier modules can work both as heat and cold generators. They are also able to measure the required dot temperature. Graphical screen of thermal signs displays a simple symbol or Brail text. Special computer program was made to control this innovative device. The software enables monitoring the temperature of each Peltier module. Findings - The experiments carried out with blind people show that they are able to recognize hot and cold dots. Infrared photos of the device have been made using the thermographic MK525 camera. Originality/value - The paper illustrates that it is possible to display simple graphics by using Peltier micropumps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Against a backdrop in an increase in the number of older people in the United Kingdom (UK) and an increase in the amount of travel per person for this age group, the number of older people using the railway is in decline. The purpose of this paper is to report on an investigation is a first step towards ascertaining why through audits of issues and problems on rolling stock and station platforms. Design/methodology/approach: Rolling stock and station audits were carried out by older people across a rail network in the South West of the UK. A total of 72.2 hours of auditing took place across different sizes of station and different types of rolling stock. Findings: Two main themes were found across both rolling stock and station audits: accessibility and information provision. With regards to accessibility, boarding and especially alighting from the train was the key issue. Across stations and in rolling stock luminance, was a key issue for older people with places being too dark or moving from places that were bright to dark. Use of stairs at stations between platforms, especially when the station is crowded was an issue. In terms of information, key issues were found with signage being too cluttered, small, hidden and inconsistent and audible announcements being difficult to decipher. Practical implications: There must be improvements made to railways to help older people feel more safe and secure using them. It is suggested step free and level accessibility is found boarding and alighting from the train, but also from station entrance to carriage. Better signage is needed throughout the station and on trains, with large repeated fonts used. Lighting needs to be revisited throughout to ensure areas are bright and well-lit both on station platforms and onboard. Further research needs to look at these findings in relation to slip, trips and fall accident rates. Originality/value: There is very little research on older people's perceptions and barriers to railway use. This adds value in being one of the only studies to do so, especially from the perspective of older people themselves as co-researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to describe an evaluation instrument designed to detect physical barriers and risks in basic activities of daily living (BADLs) performance by senior citizens and presents findings obtained in a representative sample of older persons living in housing programs provided by the State of Chile. Its aim is to develop an objective instrument which can serve as reference point for housing adaptations and improvement or for the use in new designs, appropriate to the changing functional capacities of this age group. Design/methodology/approach – The research is broadly framed in an ecological perspective. It draws on an empirical study, observing older people's BADLs performance in selected State provided housing in the Santiago area. The approach includes some quantitative but mainly qualitative aspects from a descriptive, explanatory and cross sectional perspective. Objective observation of functional BADLs performance, as well as subjective users' perspectives, is compared. Findings – State housing design is significant in BADLs performance, limiting functionality in one third of associated operations observed. These mainly concerned demanding reaching requirements associated with height, but also extended to other inadequacies in design or lack of elements in different situations, which act as barriers or bring potential risks. Research limitations/implications – Heterogeneity in the functional conditions of older people regardless of age and gender, as well as different housing types makes it difficult to develop standardized recommendations, requiring a tailored approach in the case of adaptations, thus limiting coverage. Further research should be carried out after performing corrective adaptations to evaluate the impact of these interventions. Practical implications – The paper prompts a reassessment, by State housing providers, of the architectural design of housing types for older people as well as the adaptation of existing units to extend independence in time rather than undermine it. Social implications – The study of the effects of architectural design of housing on older people's independence when performing BADLs is underdeveloped and should be increased in order to promote a better quality of life for this age group through a more friendly and inclusive environment. Originality/value – This research attempts to generate an objective instrument, useful to provide evidence for architects, designers and policy makers and suitable to be applied in other housing contexts in order to improve the habitat and older people's quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the aspects to be considered when evaluating web search engines' accessibility for people with disabilities. The authors provide an overview of related work and outline a theoretical framework for a comprehensive accessibility study of web search engines, regarding the principles of disability studies and the idea of inclusion. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a literature review, and an aggregation of recommended actions in practice, mainly the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative's (WAI) evaluation model. Findings – A good way to conduct an accessibility study in a comprehensive manner is the WAI methodology consisting of three-steps: preliminary review to quickly identify potential accessibility problems; conformance evaluation to determine whether a website meets established accessibility standards; and user testing to include real people with disabilities in a practical use. For the use case "web search engines" some special issues have to be taken into consideration. Research limitations/implications – The paper can be seen as a brainstorming and describes a theoretical concept of how to do. Conclusions about actual barriers of web search engines and criteria of satisfaction for people with disabilities do not exist as of yet; the model is not tested so far. Practical implications – This paper provides practical implications for researchers who want to conduct an accessibility study, especially of web search engines. Findings of such studies can have practical implications for web search engine developers to improve accessibility of their product. The accessibility of web search engines does not only have implications for people with special needs, but also for the elderly or temporarily handicapped people. Originality/value – This paper combines findings from web search engine research with aspects of disability studies. Therefore, it provides insights for researches, search engine developers and educators in practice on how important accessibility of web search engines for people with disabilities is, how it can be measured and what aspects need to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss Dutch innovative care environments for older people, including those living with dementia, from the perspectives or an architect and a social gerontologist. Design/methodology/approach: The authors visited three care environments for older people, each offering an innovative approach to living housing older people, including people with dementia. The settings are discussed from two disciplinary perspectives, facilitating an understanding of the influence of the built environment on daily life for residents. Findings: The three facilities were all architecturally varied and resembled "real" homes to varying degrees. Additionally, each entrance offered a different welcome to the external community, ranging from full accessibility to a closed and fortified appearance. Within each facility, the built environment afforded residents opportunities to participate in valued activities, including interacting with members of the wider community. Originality/value: The inclusion of two disciplinary perspectives offers a richer discussion of the physical and social aspects of the care environments that would be offered by one perspective alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The life expectancy for persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) has increased significantly, resulting in an increasing number of aging persons with ID. To promote healthy and active aging of persons with ID, discussions on new initiatives to design age-friendly communities have begun at local and international levels. The purpose of this paper, a qualitative research study, is to identify features of an age-friendly community, and facilitators and barriers from the perspectives of older adults with mild ID and their caregivers who live in the city of Winnipeg in Canada. Design/methodology/approach: Seven older persons with mild ID were interviewed, and 15 caregivers participated in focus group discussions. All participants were asked questions about features of community living and their experiences in eight broad topic areas (i.e. transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, opportunities for community involvement, communication and information, community support and healthcare services, and outdoor spaces and buildings). Findings: The results indicated that many of the current features of the city of Winnipeg do not adequately address the needs of aging persons with ID; specifically, participants revealed that issues related to accessibility, social participation, social disrespect and inclusion, and lack of resources were important barriers to independence. Originality/value: The findings will increase awareness of the needs of aging persons with ID and inform programme planning, service delivery, coordination of community-based services and policies to support healthy and active aging for this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Extra care housing (ECH) is housing for older people that aims to provide flexible care while fostering independence. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact that some of the successes and failures in improving accessibility during remodelling had on care provision, in order to offer advice to social housing providers planning to remodel existing properties into ECH. Design/methodology/approach - The data consisted of an inventory of accessibility features and assistive technology (AT) items in flats and common areas. The data were drawn from ten ECH schemes in different regions of England. Findings - Most of the AT found was low-technology supporting independence, such as grabbers; some was specific to care provision, such as hoists. Even after remodelling, the design and layout of most buildings did not fully comply with accessibility standards, leading to increased provision of care for some tenants: a care-negative situation. Research limitations/implications - This multidisciplinary, original research on remodelling into ECH presents successful examples of accessibility, AT and care integration that required active tenant involvement and creative design input from care staff, architects and builders who were AT and accessibility aware. It is argued that for new and remodelled ECH buildings to be care-neutral, designers need to work towards the most inclusive model of ECH. Originality/value - This is original research that has produced guidance for builders, developers, policy makers and other stake holders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper seeks to suggest that social housing can and should be the local hub for cost-effective, human-scale health and wellbeing. It aims to explore the way that community-based housing providers can help health and social care services to deliver long-term wellbeing. Design/methodology/approach – The argument is illustrated with examples of constructive practice drawn from membership of the PlaceShapers Group of housing associations, across different parts of England. Findings – Localism and promotion of public health lie at the roots of social housing, dating back more than 150 years. Because of their physical stake and presence in communities, social landlords are able to offer combined homes and support in a way and on a scale that few private operators can match. So social housing providers are in a prime position to add value and recast the relationship between health, wellbeing, social care and housing. But social housing organisations and their leaders will need to be highly inventive, enterprising and determined to reap the full rewards for service users and neighbourhoods. Practical implications – Changes to the health, wellbeing and social care landscape, coming into effect in England and Wales from April 2013, present a unique opportunity to bridge the "parallel worlds" of housing and health. Local housing providers now have the chance to bond their long-term presence, commitment and investment in communities to the new outcomes required for health and social care. Originality/value – The lead author is chair of a grouping of community-based housing associations working throughout England and is especially well placed to identify examples of innovative practice, such as those described in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper describes visitors' reactions to using an Apple iPad or smartphone to follow trails in a museum by scanning QR codes and draws conclusions on the potential for this technology to help improve accessibility at low-cost. Design/methodology/approach – Activities were devised which involved visitors following trails around museum objects, each labelled with a QR code and symbolised text. Visitors scanned the QR codes using a mobile device which then showed more information about an object. Project-team members acted as participant-observers, engaging with visitors and noting how they used the system. Experiences from each activity fed into the design of the next. Findings – Some physical and technical problems with using QR codes can be overcome with the introduction of simple aids, particularly using movable object labels. A layered approach to information access is possible with the first layer comprising a label, the second a mobile-web enabled screen and the third choices of text, pictures, video and audio. Video was especially appealing to young people. The ability to repeatedly watch video or listen to audio seemed to be appreciated by visitors with learning disabilities. This approach can have low equipment-cost. However, maintaining the information behind labels and keeping-up with technological changes are on-going processes. Originality/value – Using QR codes on movable, symbolised object labels as part of a layered information system might help modestly-funded museums enhance their accessibility, particularly as visitors increasingly arrive with their own smartphones or tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The Jodi Awards exist to promote digital access to culture. This paper aims to give some background to the Awards and to profile the 2011 winner and commendation. Design/methodology/approach - The Jodi Awards are annual awards given to celebrate the best examples of using technology to make culture and cultural institutions accessible to people with a disability. Findings - Much has already been achieved in using technology to widen access to museums, galleries and heritage venues but there is clear potential for more development, given the appropriate political will and policy change. Originalitylvalue - The Jodi Awards are unique in celebrating the use of technology in this way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the following question: does the industry context influence management attitudes towards being a professional? Design/methodology/approach – Previous research has identified traits that define a professional. Using this framework, the features of a profession are explored from the perspective of hotel financial controllers. Primary research is used to further explore attitudes towards the achievement of these traits. Findings – The characteristics of this particular industry do appear to impact on attitudes towards professionalism, from the perspective of organizations and the professional association, in comparison to more traditional professions. Although the industry desires to become more professional, there is unwillingness to promote career development and other approaches for hotel controllers. Individuals, however, wish to meet the desired traits and hence improve their personal status and careers. Research limitations/implications – This research has examined only one type of manager in hotels, and various contradictions have emerged. Other managers in hotels may also demonstrate certain characteristics influenced by the industry context that could be further explored, and further attitudes towards professionalism in the industry investigated. Practical implications – Hotel companies must demonstrate commitment to their managers by investing in their development to improve levels of professionalism and hence profits. Professional associations can assist by providing appropriate courses at various levels, with a consequent increase in their own status as well as that of the industry. Originality/value – Most previous research has focused on the profession rather than the industry context. This research raises questions as to the dominance of a particular industry on attitudes and hence on standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper has three aims: to assess the extent of the Australian population affected by intellectual disability who are also capable of accessing buildings independently; to investigate the extent of research and legislation covering building access for this group; and to consider implications for building designers, owners and facility managers. Design/methodology/approach - Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics report on Disability, Ageing and Carers are used to assess the size of this building user group and to make comparisons with other disabled user groups. Electronic databases are searched to assess the scope of existing research about building access for the intellectually disabled and current Australian legislation is searched for any references to this building user group. Findings - The paper suggests that the intellectually disabled building user group represents about 1.24 per cent of the Australian population but that there is limited published research and/or discussion about building access by this group. It also finds that they are not specifically referenced in either the Building Code or Australian standards affecting building design. Research limitations/implications - There may be unpublished research and/or discussion covering the topic. There is also some debate about the variability of responses in disability surveys. Practical implications - There is a need for more research about building access for the intellectually disabled to help building designers and ultimately building owners and managers to comply with Disability Discrimination Acts. Originality/value - There is limited reference to building access for the intellectual disability in literature and legislation. This paper adds to the literature and hopes that greater attention will be paid to their building access requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the principles that need to be followed by housing designers and planners to ensure that disabled people are not excluded by design from future housing development. It outlines the demographic drivers and the problem with current housing stock, and then comments on the standards that need to be applied to ensure inclusion for all members of society. If government rhetoric about building sustainable communities in which people want to live is to be matched by action, attention must be paid to the housing needs of everyone who is part of that community, including disabled people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study on the accessibility of people with disabilities (PWDs) in public housing estates n Hong Kong, China. The study conducted a literature review to determine the presence of a room for improvement in building laws controlling such access to attain a universal access design. It concludes that the status of the public housing estates in Hong Kong are far from achieving an ideal universal access design.