A usable home: A qualitative investigation of the relationship between home usability and community participation for people with disabilities

Background: People with mobility disabilities frequently have unmet needs in their home environment, which can lead to difficulties completing daily living activities. Therefore, it is important that homes are not just accessible, but rather useable, meaning that the home complements an individual's functional, social, and psychological needs. Although previous research has shown the importance of home usability for people with mobility disabilities on health outcomes, this research explores the relationship between home usability and community participation both inside and outside the home.

Objective: The objective of this study was to understand the perception of people with mobility disabilities on the relationship between community participation and home usability.

Method: Twelve participants completed in-person semi-structured interviews to answer questions related to home usability and community participation. A content analysis was used to identify emergent themes.

Results: Results indicate that personal, social, and environment factors influence home usability and one's ability to participate in the community.

Conclusion: Home usability is a complex concept that is intertwined with a person's ability to participate in their community. Useable homes can facilitate community participation, both inside and outside the home. In fact, home usability is a critical component of community participation, as homes are not only located in the community but are sites from which people access community. Further research is needed to understand the significance of this interaction and the impact of changing home usability on one's ability to participate in the community.