Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Interior Architecture Department, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA.
Disabil Rehabil. 2022 Aug;44(17):4619-4628. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1910866. Epub 2021 Apr 17.
Society has progressed in universal design guidelines and assistive devices for individuals with disabilities yet challenges due to affordability and attractiveness concerns remain to incorporate them into existing residences. Repurposing (i.e., replacing or adapting problematic fixtures or spaces, with others not originally intended for that purpose) may be the action to address the concerns of consumers. The purpose of this study was to elicit information on problems and solutions regarding home modifications and identify ways that consumers and professionals implement repurposing, that residents deemed accessible, affordable, and attractive.
This convergent parallel design study consisted of focus groups who rated images of repurposed spaces. The focus groups included consumers with functional mobility and visual limitations ( = 8); and professionals who devised or recommended home modifications ( = 8). Participants reviewed three images of home modification solutions and completed a Likert-scale rating based on accessibility and attractiveness.
Focus group data indicated that high contrast, heights of fixtures, doors, and flooring - all pose threats to accessibility in the home. Consumers placed more value on attractiveness than professionals. Participants were aware and receptive to repurposing as a home modification technique but focused their discussion on adaptations.
Overall, adoption and implementation of home modifications promote accessibility, but professionals need to consider individualized needs and preferences, before suggesting modifications.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONRepurposing existing spaces, features, and fixtures can serve as a method of home modification.Consumer home modification recommendations are perceived to be more effective when collaboratively and individually developed with professionals.Data gathered through focus groups can be valuable for informing practice and research in home modifications.
社会在通用设计指南和辅助设备方面取得了进展，以帮助残疾人，但由于负担能力和吸引力问题，仍需要将这些设备纳入现有住宅中。重新定位（即更换或调整有问题的固定装置或空间，使用原本不是为该目的设计的其他固定装置或空间）可能是解决消费者关注问题的措施。本研究的目的是了解有关家庭改造的问题和解决方案的信息，并确定消费者和专业人员实施重新定位的方法，使居民认为这些改造是可及、负担得起且有吸引力的。
这项收敛平行设计研究包括对重新定位空间图像进行评价的焦点小组。焦点小组包括有功能移动和视觉障碍的消费者（ = 8）；以及设计或推荐家庭改造的专业人员（ = 8）。参与者审查了三张家庭改造解决方案的图像，并根据可及性和吸引力完成了李克特量表评分。
焦点小组数据表明，高对比度、固定装置、门和地板的高度——所有这些都对家庭的可及性构成威胁。消费者比专业人员更重视吸引力。参与者意识到重新定位是一种家庭改造技术，并且愿意接受，但他们的讨论重点是适应性。
总体而言，家庭改造的采用和实施促进了可及性，但专业人员在提出改造建议之前，需要考虑个人的需求和偏好。
重新定位现有空间、功能和固定装置可以作为家庭改造的一种方法。
当与专业人员共同并单独制定时，消费者的家庭改造建议被认为更有效。
通过焦点小组收集的数据对于家庭改造的实践和研究具有重要价值。
