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Purpose: Older adults with low vision are a growing population with rehabilitation needs including support with community mobility to enable community participation. Some older adults with low vision choose to use mobility scooters to mobilize within their community, but there is limited research about the use by people with low vision. This paper describes a pilot study and asks the question: what are the experiences of persons with low vision who use mobility scooters? Methods: This study gathered the experiences of four participants with low vision, aged 51 and over, who regularly use mobility scooters. Diverse methods were used including a go-along, a semi-structured interview and a new measure of functional vision for mobility called the vision-related outcomes in orientation and mobility (VROOM). Findings: Four themes were found to describe experiences: autonomy and well-being, accessibility, community interactions and self-regulation. Discussion and implications: This study was a pilot for a larger study examining self-regulation in scooter users. However, as roles emerge for health professionals and scooters, the findings also provide evidence to inform practice, because it demonstrates the complex meaning and influences on performance involved in low vision mobility scooter use. Scooter use supports autonomy and well-being and community connections for individuals with both mobility and visual impairments. Low vision scooter users demonstrate self-regulation of their scooter use to manage both their visual and environmental limitations. Issues of accessibility experienced by this sample affect a wider community of footpath users, emphasizing the need for councils to address inadequate infrastructure. Rehabilitators can support their low vision clients' scooter use by acknowledging issues of accessibility and promoting self-regulation strategies to manage risks and barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. In the South African context, there are no specific guidelines regarding how to prepare and support adolescents for the transition from a health care to a high school setting post TBI. This raises questions about the relevance and responsiveness of the current transition practices in occupational therapy in terms of adequately preparing and supporting these adolescents to participate in school and hence exercise their right to a quality education. Method. This study explored adolescents and other key role players' perspectives on and experiences of the high school transition (i.e., school reentry and continued school participation) post TBI. It was anticipated that this would provide an increased understanding of the enablers and barriers to high school reentry and participation post TBI. This served as a basis to explore the main aim of this study which was to help occupational therapists identify where efforts in terms of service delivery are needed. This study was situated in the interpretivist qualitative paradigm and used a multicase study design, which included semistructured interviews with eight adolescent learners with TBI, their primary caregivers, teachers, and principals as well as observations and documentation review. Results. This paper will focus on a central theme in the research, namely, the nature and extent of support needed to facilitate the high school transition of adolescents with TBI within a developing context. Similar to the findings of studies conducted in developed contexts, participants highlighted that they felt that adolescents need support at various stages of the school transition. Participants further alluded to support that should be collaborative, coordinated, flexible, and monitored to ensure it is relevant and responsive to these adolescents' changing needs. Conclusion. The study findings conclude that occupational therapists have a crucial role in fostering an enabling environment (directly and indirectly) through fulfilling various roles including that of a facilitator, intermediary, coach, collaborator, supporter, and advocator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of information and communication technology(ICT) has made our lives more convenient and has caused many changes in various areas of our lives.. In particular, ICT enables information and physical accessibility of people with disabilities and eliminates the inconvenience of entry into the labor market, and ICT-based teleworking has improved employ-ability for people with disabilities by facilitating physical accessibility away from traditional work environments and job assignments. This paper presents some domestic and foreign cases of teleworking for the people with disabilities. Also it states several suggestions, as developing jobs in ICT field, educating and training of its field, and making related documents and supporting systems for activating ICT-based work environment and job placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is focused on evaluation of barrier-free accessibility of the significant regional transfer junction in Ostrava made up of the Ostrava-Svinov railway station and upper and lower stops of the urban mass transportation. The outcome is focused on solving the problems of movement and orientation of blind and visually impaired people. Public transport is an important part of public area of cities and municipalities. The most important part of public transport happen the transfer junctions. Thanks to intensive utilisation of these transfer areas, it is necessary to assess these places, among others, also in light movement of man in all of his life stages and primarily in light of barrier-free accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing of the process data, process data-driven intelligent machining process planning is becoming more and more important in manufacturing industries. In the process data, the macro process contains abundant process design intent, which has important reuse value. However, existing 3D CAD model retrieval methods for macro process reuse are mainly on the premise of geometric similarity, which make them difficult to guarantee the reusability of the macro process associated with the similar results. In this paper, an effective retrieval approach of 3D CAD models for macro process reuse is presented. First, a process skeleton model is introduced to guide the structuralization of process data based on the macro process of existing parts. Then, a probability statistics approach is presented to map machining features of query part onto the macro process of existing part. Finally, process design intent-driven accessible machining region extraction is proposed, and then the part similarity assessment model based on the machining region is established to calculate the macro process similarity between query part and existing part. A prototype system has been developed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A notable development in the past few years is that the concept of accessible and inclusive tourism (AIT) has gained momentum. This paper has two aims: first, to identify the extent to which tourism studies curricula can cultivate ethical behaviour in light of international legal mandates and conventions promoting the rights of people with disabilities (PwDs); and second, to point up AIT as a broader concept that matters to other population groups, namely seniors, pregnant women and families with baby carriages, people who follow special diets or have different morphologies to be integrated into the much larger category of people with special needs (PwSNs). This study was conducted with 254 self-administered questionnaires to tourism and hospitality students and recent alumni. The results of the study suggest that disability in tourism studies is a rather neglected topic of discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines to what extent the 129 members of the Urban Public Libraries Council meet the Section 508 standards for accessibility under the Rehabilitation Act, the minimum acceptable standard for accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Using an HTML evaluation tool, WAVE, the HTML coding of the libraries' homepages was evaluated according to the Section 508 criteria for accessibility. After one-to-one deep examination to determine the accessibility of the library websites, the results tended to mirror other studies showing that most library websites have some coding deficiencies that limit the accessibility of the websites. Notably, only 7 of the 122 libraries that were surveyed had no Section 508 errors present with their homepages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the collaborative design, curation, and assessment of a temporary exhibition that aimed to bring intellectual access to blind and partially sighted visitors. The multi-sensory desk concept is the core component of the inclusive design and is the focus of this paper. Older people (65-74 years) are increasingly likely to experience sight loss, and they are the fastest growing visitor group to UK museums and galleries. Presently there are approximately two million people in the UK registered blind or partially sighted, which will double by 2050. Accessible design guidance was reviewed and a working document of relevant guidelines developed. Most guidance is aimed at developing permanent exhibitions. This research was directed by co-production principles using a multi-methods approach. Ethnographic fieldwork was conducted with observations and note taking, along with open-ended interviews, co-creation workshops, visitor written feedback, and co-assessment sessions. The research participants were blind and sight-loss visitors, curatorial staff, exhibition designers, and SENSE and RNIB representatives. The resulting exhibition has achieved a positive experience and emotional impact for the blind and partially sighted visitors through the opportunity for independent movement and thought and subsequent learning and knowledge exchange. More than 15,500 people visited the exhibition in three months. [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]

This perspective paper was intended to raise awareness and the urgency of needing additional evacuation-related, hospital building design policies. We addressed the challenges to maintain the integrity of exits and inadequate hospital design considerations for individuals with restricted mobility. Hospitals are occupied by people who may have restricted mobility and visitors who are likely unfamiliar with their surroundings. A hospital fire threatens all people in the building, but especially patients in the intensive care unit who are frail and have limited mobility. Evacuating immobile patients is complex, involving horizontal and vertical evacuation approaches. Hospital design must consider the needs of individuals with restricted mobility, who are the most vulnerable in case of a hospital fire. Consequently, we urge that acutely ill patients and others with restricted mobility should occupy units located on the ground floor or Level 2. In addition, when configuring the physical environment of hospitals, providing step-free ground floor access (indoor or outdoor ramps) and evacuation aids for vertical evacuation is crucial. Step-free ground floor access between Level 2 and the ground floor should be wide enough to allow transporting patients on their beds. A standard revision to include these recommendations is desperately needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper affirms the importance of lighting as a technology in the context of people with sight loss. Its importance lies in the ability of appropriate lighting interventions to support independent living and to reduce the likelihood of falls and accidents. The concept of 'assistive lighting' is introduced with a set of tenets by which the merits of different lighting interventions can be considered. The tenets are derived from research on lighting and sight loss, including a thorough review of the literature; and consultation in the period from 2008 to 2010 with over 80 rehabilitation workers and occupational therapists in the United Kingdom. They affirm the need for lighting to be appropriate, sufficient, even, adjustable, sustainable and energy efficient, simple and adaptable. Examples of different lighting interventions are provided and these are considered in relation to the tenets. One of the key outcomes of the research was publication of a guide to good practice on lighting interventions for people with sight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on the participants’ perspective of social enterprises, particularly those providing employment for a variety of handicapped populations. It argues that when dealing with such populations with the goal of integrating them into society, contrary to present policy and practice, a market orientation of the organizations employing them, provides, under certain circumstances and with certain populations, advantages and opportunities not awarded in nonprofits or public agencies. It bases the argument on two conceptual frameworks: (1) thesocial model of dealing with disabilitiesand (2) thestrength-based practice in social work. When translated into the realm of work, both of these suggest that handicapped persons have capabilities to contribute to the economy, to society as well as to themselves, provided they are granted appropriate opportunities to do so. A market-oriented social enterprise framework, designed on the basis of the concept of‘shared value’, can potentially provide such opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores how to apply the principles of accommodations and universal design (UD) in research methods involved in quantitative research (e.g. questionnaires). In particular, we focus on how to make research more accessible for individuals with Learning Disabilities (LD), while also providing suggestions for potential participants of research more generally. This paper first reviews accommodations provided to students within an educational setting, focusing on the components of setting, timing, presentation and response format. Following this discussion, we discuss UD and how it can be adapted to the research process (e.g. the creation of surveys, and data collection). Next, we draw on components of accommodations and universal design to offer suggestions for those conducting research with individuals with LD. In closing, we provide a table with key UD and accommodation questions that researchers can use to guide questionnaire design thereby advancing the field when it comes to accessible research design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to investigate the experience of home for parents and carers of children with disabilities in Australia. Data for this qualitative study were gathered using semi-structured interviews with four families living in their own homes. An inductive thematic analysis revealed two main themes. The first was titled ‘Aspects making everyday life easier’ explored the aspects of the home environment that facilitated home life for the child, including access to transport, services, family and home modifications. The second theme ‘Decisions and efforts to create opportunities for the child’ emphasized the efforts made by parents and carers to promote their child’s independence and participation including a strong consideration for their children’s future needs. The study indicated that the location of home, appropriate home modifications and planning for the future defined the experience of home for parents and carers. These findings identify some important considerations for occupational therapists when providing services in the homes of families with children who have a disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction barrier removal (for the physically disabled) policy selection is a complex task and a vital part of the planning phase within the management of such construction projects. This paper deals with design of the decision support concept for this kind of task. It focused on support for identification, selection, and priority ranking of schools' facilities, and adoption of this concept improves the project realization. The implementation of the concept began with analysis of the issue and identification of relevant stakeholders followed by a goal analysis. Combining the gained goal tree and its objectives and criteria with the multicriteria decision-making methods analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Preference Ranking Organization Method For Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) II, the priority ranking of schools' facilities was determined. Afterward, using budget and/or other constraints introduced by the PROMETHEE V method, several different sets of schools to be sequentially funded in the following investment years were defined. Depending on introduced constraints, three policy design styles were defined (budget, spatial-functional, and combined) and compared mutually, and one was selected. Validating the proposed concept in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia showed that a high-quality policy to achieve a construction barrier–free environment (by adapting 95 facilities in 4 years) can be selected in a sustainable and systematic manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of people with dementia worldwide will reach 115.4 million by 2050. This accelerating crisis has sparked research on how to design neighbourhoods for those with early dementia, and how to empower them through built environment changes to remain in their community for as long as possible. There are numerous benefits for persons with dementia who continue access to their neighbourhood: physical activity, sense of dignity, social interaction, autonomy and psychological wellbeing. In this paper, I examine 17 recommendations (urban design and land use strategies) identified as ‘dementia-friendly’, within dementia design and planning literature. Each is then examined against the planning frameworks for a mid-size suburban municipality in Ontario and assessed for its financial impact on a base case subdivision using pro forma analysis. The effect on the financial return for a developer was minimal, demonstrating that establishing these recommendations as policy is viable, through regulation and incentives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article discusses updating the roles of professionals within the field of educational and rehabilitative vision services. Topics mentioned include changes to the tools used to finish the mission of the field of visual impairment, expansion of accessible educational tools from paper formats to include digital text, images, and videos, and transcribers who make braille materials and tactile graphics in the primary and secondary school setting.

Introduction: Modern research teams are re-evaluating conventionalmethods with the aimof improving the usefulness of knowledge for users, focusing on the role of knowledge users in shaping innovation. In disability field, encouraging participatory research inherently involves diverse perspectives andinclusion, which alignswiththe principles of universal accessibility. By actively involving individuals with various backgrounds, abilities, and needs in the research process, we can better understand and address the challenges faced in adopting universal accessibility. This approach ensures that solutions are more comprehensive, inclusive, and effectively cater to the needs of all individuals, fostering a more equitable and accessible environment for everyone. Despite municipal organizations mandating universal accessibility action plans, they lack tools for efficient implementation. The aim of this study was to develop knowledge mobilization tools tailored to a specific municipal context in Quebec, Canada, to facilitate the implementation of universal accessibility measures by municipal employees. Methods: The co-design process employed in this study was organized into four distinct stages, following the Morales model: (1) Exploration (2) Co-Design (3) Validation (4) Development. Results: Stages one and two highlighted the employees' lack of awareness about universal accessibility issues and their need to have more information and resources about how universal accessibility is encountered in their work. A steering committee co-designed three video vignettes about universal accessibility, the city's action plan and measures included in it. Discussion: The co-design approach used in this study allowed us to observe the non-linear nature of partnership research with an organization as complex as a municipality. Our study shows significant advantages of collaboration between the municipal sector and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging in a suitable residential environment is essential for the health and well-being of older adults. This study aims to analyze the residential environment preferences (REPs) of older people in China to create a residential environment suitable for their physical and mental health, enhancing their life satisfaction. This study used a sample questionnaire to identify relevant characteristics and analyze preferences, which were validated using non-parametric tests and Pearson's correlation coefficient tests. The questionnaire consisted of 33 questions on characteristics of the residential environment on a 7-point Likert scale and was administered to 433 older adults aged 60 and over in 28 provinces in China. The results showed that "community safety" was the most important environmental characteristic, with an average importance rating of 5.77 out of 6. Accessible building design (average rating of 4.91), emergency response systems (average rating of 4.49), and indoor thermal comfort (average rating of 4.45) were also key factors in promoting aging in place. There was a positive correlation between the community environment and the indoor environment (e.g., community safety and indoor sound insulation, r = 0.209, p < 0.01), and both were, to some extent, negatively correlated with building features (e.g., public toilets and private courtyards, r = −0.278, p < 0.01; indoor thermal comfort and green building design, r = −0.165, p < 0.01). Age and physical health had a strong influence on preferences, but gender had little influence. This study paves the way for future research and policy development on age-friendly housing to ensure sustainable and supportive residential environments for the aging population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the problem of accurately evaluating age-friendly retrofit indicators in urban communities, this study constructs an evaluation model that takes into account user preferences and their interaction needs based on the social–ecological–technological systems (SETS) theory. The model aims to establish a set of precise community retrofit indicators, covering aspects such as public participation level, public ancillary facilities, green space layout, living environment building, health service support, and accessible design. By employing prioritization strategies, the model seeks to maximize resident satisfaction and promote harmonious coexistence between the community and the environment. Firstly, the retrofit evaluation indicators are formulated using the SETS theory. The entropy weight method (EWM) is then applied to determine the initial weights of these evaluation indicators, followed by the use of the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method to analyze the interrelationships among the indicators. The Kano model is integrated to adjust the weights, reflecting their importance. The final weights of the indicators are determined through normalization. Based on this, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is employed to rank and analyze the importance of age-friendly retrofits in the community. Finally, six communities in Dalian, Liaoning Province, China, are selected as samples to evaluate and analyze the age-friendly retrofit indicators. Different methods are compared, and their advantages and disadvantages are ranked to validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed approach. Based on the analysis results, specific design schemes for improving the identified shortcomings in age-friendly aspects of these communities are proposed, considering the needs of aging populations and taking into account community public facilities, accessible design renovations, and the enhancement of green space layouts. This study aims to explore the comprehensive benefits of an age-friendly retrofit in urban communities and provide reference for the deep integration of social, ecological, and technological benefits in urban renewal. The evaluation indicators, methods, and conclusions presented can serve as a decision-making basis for the renovation and renewal of aging urban communities, particularly in terms of age-friendly updates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the challenges women with neuromuscular disease face when having to urinate when away from home. The design for this study was qualitative using the interpretive description methodology and the Sense of Coherence theory. The method was three semi-structured focus group interviews with 12 women (3 ambulant and 9 non-ambulant) with neuromuscular diseases at a specialized rehabilitation hospital. We found that physical and functional barriers hampered the opportunity to urinate when away from home due to lack of accessibility and impaired physical functioning. Psychosocial impacts were related to inconvenience and dependency on relatives, fear of stigmatization and impacted dignity, and the constant social sacrifices. The challenge of access to adequate and equitable sanitation for women with neuromuscular diseases is not at always met in society, and these women consequently often must resort to repressing the fundamental need to urinate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This is a need assessment study conducted on wheelchair users with limited locomotion ability in the legs in the Ahmedabad urban region in India. The results describe the unmet needs in the indoor and outdoor settings. Even though India is a large country with huge diversity in local climate and terrain and big socio-economic disparity, need assessment studies for assistive technology across various socio-economic or with region specificity are extremely scarce. Accordingly, this study aims to understand the needs and requirements of mobility assistive technology users that are not met by their current devices. Methods: Data from 69 participants having physical disabilities were collected through interviews and 6 of the participants were video-tapped to observe their daily routine. Meanwhile, a qualitative analysis of the collected data was carried out. Results: The analysis highlights problems of participants, such as working in the kitchen, inability to perform everyday indoor tasks, inaccessibility of toilets and public transport, etc. Discussion: A mixture of qualitative and quantitative data analysis showed that the major features that the Indian wheelchair users wanted were the ability to adjust the height of the chair, the ability to reach objects without too much maneuvering of the wheelchair, ease of transfer from wheelchair to toilet seat and back and also meet outdoor needs. Hence, a wheelchair that can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings is one of the most imminent needs for such wheelchair users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with disabilities (PWD) face significant health disparities, yet they have largely been excluded from health research and clinical trials, including in-person and virtual focus group research. The lack of clear protocols for recruiting research participants with disabilities and designing fully accessible online focus groups may contribute to their exclusion. Additionally, barriers to screening, consent, and hosting focus groups with PWD have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with planning, flexibility, and creativity, researchers can anticipate and overcome barriers to inclusion and conduct critical research that is accessible to PWD. This article presents a concrete example and lessons learned from the application of principles of accessible research design to a project utilizing virtual focus groups. The examples shared demonstrate how to approach research with PWD by outlining universal principles to hosting focus groups and encouraging project-specific measures to make the research more accessible to the participants involved. We argue that accessible research design should prioritize inclusion and flexibility to meet the diverse needs of participants. Community engagement, financial resources for necessary accommodations and modifications, and a commitment to disability justice principles are all necessary components for successful research that fully includes PWD. By adopting disability humility and embracing universal research design that allows for accommodations and modifications, researchers can maximize the potential for inclusive and impactful research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical inactivity is a major public health concern, exacerbated in countries with a (sub)tropical climate. The built environment can facilitate physical activity; however, current evidence is mainly from North American and European countries with activity-friendly climate conditions. This study explored associations between built environment features and physical activity in global tropical or subtropical dry or desert climate regions. Methods: A systematic review of four major databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and SportDISCUS) was performed. To be included, studies had to investigate associations between perceived or objective built environment characteristics and adult's physical activity and had to be conducted in a location with (sub)tropical climate. Each investigated association was reported as one case and results were synthesized based upon perceived and objectively assessed environment characteristics as well as Western and non-Western countries. Study quality was evaluated using a tool designed for assessing studies on built environment and physical activity. Results: Eighty-four articles from 50 studies in 13 countries with a total of 2546 built environment-physical activity associations were included. Design (connectivity, walking/cycling infrastructure), desirability (aesthetics, safety), and destination accessibility were the built environment characteristics most frequently associated with physical activity across the domains active transport, recreational physical activity, total walking and cycling, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, particularly if multiple attributes were present at the same time. Very few studies assessed built environment attributes specifically relevant to physical activity in (sub)tropical climates. Most studies were conducted in Western countries, with results being largely comparable with non-Western countries. Findings were largely generalizable across gender and age groups. Results from natural experiments indicated that relocating to an activity-friendly neighborhood impacted sub-groups differently. Conclusions: Built environment attributes, including destination accessibility, connectivity, walking and cycling infrastructure, safety, and aesthetics, are positively associated with physical activity in locations with (sub)tropical climate. However, few studies focus on built environment attributes specifically relevant in a hot climate, such as shade or indoor recreation options. Further, there is limited evidence from non-Western countries, where most of the urban population lives in (sub)tropical climates. Policy makers should focus on implementing activity-friendly environment attributes to create sustainable and climate-resilient cities. [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]

Copyright of Dearq is the property of Universidad de los Andes and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Although the barrier-free concept in transportation has been advocated for many years, older persons still face difficulties and restrictions in accessing public buses. This paper first emphasises the right of older persons to access public buses. Taking Hong Kong as a case study, this paper reviews the key difficulties and restrictions for older persons to access public buses, and identifies the directions for design improvement. It then reports the process of a participatory design project that involved older persons as active participants in the different design stages. It discusses the matters of concern in carrying out this kind of participatory projects. Finally, the paper advocates that the best way to obtain a universal design for older persons is by user participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the concept of accessible tourism and its links with triple-bottom-line (TBL) sustainability. Accessible tourism is reviewed through some of its central features including dimensions of access, universal design and the nexus between ageing and disability. The TBL is then examined to better understand the financial, environmental and social considerations that arise from accessible tourism. The research design used in this explorative research incorporated a case study approach, where a business case study instrument was developed. Methods included a Delphi group, review of management information systems, in-depth interviews with key informants, observation and participant observation. The study results revealed that rather than accessible tourism being a single construct, it forms one critical dimension of a series of interrelated, overlapping and interdependent business arrangements that extend beyond the business entity through a series of social networks within the destination region. It is argued that to properly satisfy the accessible tourism market, a more sophisticated understanding of accessible destination experiences is needed by tourism operators. The case study illustrates the considerable size and multi-niche markets served by accessible tourism destinations, the good fit between accessible tourism and TBL sustainable tourism, and the need for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the development of parametric models in contemporary architectural practice. A parametric model can be regarded as a representation of a solution space and in order to structure this, a description of the problem is required. Architectural design tasks are typically ill structured, the goals may not be defined and the means unknown. Moving from an incomplete problem description to a functional parametric model is a difficult task. In this paper the aim is to demonstrate that through a combination of knowledge acquisition and capture a parametric model can develop from an incomplete problem description. This demonstration draws on existing strands of design theory which are then used to outline a theoretical framework. This framework is then used to examine a case study of a live project and practical examples of the described theory in action are given. The practical observations are the result of a case study involving the author as a participant and observer working with Populous to develop a cladding geometry solution for Lansdowne Road Stadium in Dublin (now know as the AVIVA STADIUM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible design principles should permeate virtually all phases of the application development cycle, using existing “best practices of software engineering” for accessibility purposes. This paper proposes a methodology for accessible design and testing that includes proven tools of software engineering, namely use cases and scenarios, to capture functional requirements. Guidelines developed through user testing and heuristics are made real using personas to exemplify accessibility requirements, reflecting a diversity of user capabilities and use contexts. For implementation and testing, test cases containing accessibility checkpoints are generated, based on the guidelines. Complementary to this methodology, expert reviews and user testing should be conducted for evaluation of the developed products and further refinement of the development process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Open Education: The Journal for Open & Distance Education & Educational Technology is the property of Hellenic Network of Open & Distance Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are widely available and have become a common option for learners. However, their full potential cannot be realised if they are not accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities. It is, therefore, important to understand the different stakeholders and their requirements and perspectives in designing accessible MOOCs. This research investigated the perspectives of MOOC providers on MOOC learners who have accessibility needs and the processes used to manage accessibility and MOOCs in their individual organisations. In this paper, we report the results of a study using thematic analysis, which involved 26 semi-structured interviews with MOOC providers and focused on MOOC accessibility. The results show that, while MOOC providers are aware of learners with accessibility needs who are participating in MOOCs, they prioritise legislation over learners' accessibility preferences. MOOC providers consider the technology of the platform itself creates barriers and are aware of the limitations for learners in finding help, reporting accessibility barriers and obtaining feedback, when participating in MOOCs. Implications for policy and practice: Course providers should acknowledge MOOC design is being guided by legal requirements. That involves uncertainty to who is the responsible to deliver accessible MOOCs. • Platform providers need to consider the lack of information about their learners makes it difficult to design educational resources that consider different target groups and provide personalisation. Learners can find MOOCs helpful for continuing professional development and lifelong learning. MOOCs are attractive due to their low-cost and self-regulated learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible housing is an urgent issue for countries experiencing rapid population aging. For over 20 years the United Kingdom's (UK) building code (Part M) and Lifetime Homes Standard have been researched as leading practices to increase accessible housing stock and allow older adults to stay in their communities. This review compiles key stakeholder groups' perspectives on these regulatory tools. Five main themes and 'lessons learned' were derived to anticipate potential challenges and inform proactive response for planners and policy makers in Canada and other countries when developing their own accessible housing regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An accessible or inclusive building design does not disable any user; it should enable the independent and equal use of a facility by all. With the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA), the consideration of issues such as access and inclusive design become even more important. Space analysis is an important aspect of the current accessibility assessment. Existing space analysis techniques, such as space syntax, have tackled the local and global accessibility of a building layout using graph theory. However, there are difficulties in the automatic transfer of design information from architectural drawings into a space analysis tool. With the recent development of the building information model and Industry Foundation Classes (IFCs), it is now possible to automate the transfer process. This paper demonstrates the automation process and how it can be used in accessibility analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is drawn from research into architectural practice and discourse in colonial settings during modernism, to investigate the entangled and sometimes antagonistic relations between architectural, political and cultural contexts. The paper will show how the built boundary in 'tropical' sites has been the site of much architectural thought and experimentation. The nature of this experimentation is technical, and constructs differences in terms of certain physical aspects of the site, mostly regarding climate. Through design, the building boundary is configured to alter the climate's effect and make the interior more comfortable for western users. By examining how this boundary functions, however, it appears that far from being neutral the boundary works to structure (other) relations between the inside and outside of the building. These mirror the power relations between centre and periphery. The built boundary can also be seen as a production of unequal exchanges between these locations, exchanges which structure the value given to western and indigenous, non-western knowledge. Finally the built boundary can be theorised in terms of its capacity to hold ambivalent meanings and uses, and through this become a site where different, and possibly transformational interpretations can take place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper investigates how far the state-of-the-art technology of the internet can contribute to the creation of a barrier-free city. The paper begins with a discussion of the general possibilities and potential of the internet for disabled people. This discussion is followed by a presentation of the significance of internet technologies for disabled people and urban development. The practical application of the approach will then be illustrated by means of a case study: the KOMM project in Muenster, Germany. The paper concludes with an evaluation of the potential and the limits of the internet for a barrier-free city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper an overview on the inclusive spatial design tools providing equal access to waterfront landscapes for tourists living with disabilities will be given. The focus is on close-to-natural areas which are popular because of their recreational potential. These areas present special natural and landscape values, and mostly are ecologically vulnerable. In these important ecological surroundings human presence and landscape values must be harmonized. Environmental conditions, legal requirements and the economic situation can limit the opportunity for comprehensive access, but keep disability in mind while designing and maintaining these sites is a potential to provide wider access to the waterfront tourist destinations. We are about to present model solutions keeping the environment totally or mostly in its original, natural condition, but allowing recreational activities in the site at the same time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a simulation-based approach, sorptive barrier design can be expressed as a nonlinear and mixed-integer optimization problem, and metaheuristic searching algorithms are suitable optimization methods to find optimal configurations of design. A recently proposed neighborhood field optimization (NFO) algorithm is applied to deal with the sorptive barrier design problem. NFO is originally proposed for continuous optimization problems, then, it is extended to binary NFO for discontinuous optimization problems. In this paper, integer NFO (INFO) is proposed by using forward and backward transformations. For the sorptive barrier design, NFO variants are compared with genetic algorithms and the best performer reported previously. Based on statistical analysis, NFO variants show better performance than GA variants in terms of accuracy and convergence speed, and INFO improves the best known results on all test instances. It can be concluded that the proposed INFO is suitable for the sorptive barrier design with significant performance improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Although emerging in Western industrialized societies, limited research exists on the links between housing and health outcomes for persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods. Using survey data collected from 605 PLWHAs in the Lower Manya Krobo district of Ghana, this paper examined the effects of housing structure, arrangements, accessibility and conditions on the physical and psychological/emotional health of respondents. Results. Results indicate that housing variables have independent effects on health outcomes, controlling for socio-economic and demographic variables. Respondents living in poor housing structures and deplorable housing conditions had poorer physical and psychological health scores. Conclusion. The findings suggest that it is relevant to think about houses occupied by PLWHAs as important sources of health inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]