Version 1
: Received: 13 August 2024 / Approved: 14 August 2024 / Online: 14 August 2024 (08:20:59 CEST)
How to cite:
Rasoulivalajoozi, M.; Cucuzzella, C.; Farhoudi, M. Perceived Inclusivity in Mobility Aids Use: A Qualitative Study in Iran. Preprints2024, 2024081005. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.1005.v1
Rasoulivalajoozi, M.; Cucuzzella, C.; Farhoudi, M. Perceived Inclusivity in Mobility Aids Use: A Qualitative Study in Iran. Preprints 2024, 2024081005. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.1005.v1
Rasoulivalajoozi, M.; Cucuzzella, C.; Farhoudi, M. Perceived Inclusivity in Mobility Aids Use: A Qualitative Study in Iran. Preprints2024, 2024081005. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.1005.v1
APA Style
Rasoulivalajoozi, M., Cucuzzella, C., & Farhoudi, M. (2024). Perceived Inclusivity in Mobility Aids Use: A Qualitative Study in Iran. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.1005.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Rasoulivalajoozi, M., Carmela Cucuzzella and Morteza Farhoudi. 2024 "Perceived Inclusivity in Mobility Aids Use: A Qualitative Study in Iran" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.1005.v1
Abstract
Despite inclusive design focusing on improving environmental accessibility for mobility aid (MA) users, it often fails to ensure true inclusivity due to mismatches between interventions and user perceptions. Therefore, understanding mobility aids users' perceptions of inclusivity is essential for advancing disability studies and design, as it highlights key interventions for more effective practices. This study aims to explore perceived inclusivity in MAs usage and identifies gaps in users' needs, classifying their needs and offering recommendations to meet them. First, the DARE-Inclusive Design Framework was used to develop interview guidelines and interpret results. Next, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 experienced physiotherapists in Iran, and finally, an inductive thematic analysis was used to identify and present themes. Four themes were identified: 1. Perceived Financial Value: Assessing Worth, 2. Objective Enhancements: Optimizing Environments and MAs, 3. Subjective Enhancements: Trustworthiness, Support, and Hope, and 4. Contextual Factors: Interpretations and Representations. The four interconnected themes provide guidelines for inclusivity-oriented interventions, emphasizing financial assessment, high-tech integration, and aesthetic and symbolic considerations in mobility aid design. Physiotherapists can also mediate emotional responses and enhance inclusion during rehabilitation. Additionally, social context and disability etiology impact users' acceptance and use of MAs.
Keywords
Mobility aids; Social inclusion; Physiotherapy; Inclusive design; User experiences
Subject
Public Health and Healthcare, Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
