Multiple perspectives on accessibility to physical activity for people with long-term mobility impairment

Background: Accessibility to physical activity in the form of sport and recreation for people with disability has been investigated primarily from the perspective of service consumers. This study aimed to increase insights into the factors that influence accessibility to sport and recreation activity for people with long-term mobility impairment from multiple perspectives.

Methods: We interviewed participants with mobility impairment, service providers, and service planners and funders in five locations across New Zealand. The interviews underwent thematic analysis into four levels of the social ecological framework.

Results: In total, 53 participants were interviewed. People with mobility impairment were challenged by physical and financial circumstances, social attitudes, and the built environment. Service providers experienced fiscal and organizational constraints to providing an inclusive environment. Funding and planning organizations removed planned accessibility features to save money.

Conclusions: The barriers perceived by people with disabilities are sustained by financial, administrative, and attitudinal constraints. Such knowledge should allow generation of strategies to transform the barriers into facilitators.