Participatory Research and Knowledge Mobilization: Environmental Audits, Photo Elicitation and Videos Around Mobility and Access

Atiya Mahmood (Simon Fraser University)
Delphine Labbe (Post-doctoral Fellow, UBC)
Tanveer Mahal (Research Assistant, Simon Fraser University)
Ben Mortenson (University of British Columbia)
Catherine Bigonnesse (Postdoctoral Fellow, Unversity of Moncton)

The neighbourhood environment influences mobility and participation of older adults especially those using mobility assistive technology (AT). Documentation of environmental barriers/facilitators in neighbourhoods by AT users can enable them to vocalize and advocate their needs for mobility and participation. Twenty-four AT users collected observational and photographic data on neighbourhood environments in three municipalities in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia using the “Stakeholders Walkability/ Wheelability Audit in Neighbourhoods” (SWAN) tool. Selected participants from each municipality participated in the development of a series of videos, showcasing key findings from SWAN data through vignettes of their daily mobility. The audit data, photographs and videos where later used to engage other stakeholders through community forums. A game on access and mobility was also developed for further stakeholder involvement. This participatory process is a resource for diverse groups of older adults to become informed and engaged partners in neighbourhood physical planning and decision-making processes and initiate environmental changes in their communities.