Mobility Tool Use Relates to Disability Affirmation among Adults with Visual Impairments

Introduction: Research is beginning to support the association between positive disability identity and well-being among individuals with disabilities, including those with visual impairments (i.e., blindness and low vision). To enhance practitioner understanding of how to support individuals with visual impairments, research is needed to examine how disability identity attitudes may vary based on disability characteristics in this population. Methods: Using multiple linear regression, the author examined the association between impairment-related factors and personal disability identity (PDI; i.e., disability affirmation and disability acceptance) and group disability identity (GDI) in a sample of 212 adult U.S. residents with visual impairments. Results: Results of this study indicated that participants who use a mobility tool (cane, dog guide, or both) have higher self-reported disability affirmation ( p = .001)—an identity construct related to feelings of disability pride versus shame—after controlling for age, gender, and impairment-related factors (e.g., severity indicators). The Cohen’s f 2 value for the affirmation model was .15, a medium effect size (Cohen, 1988). The regression on GDI indicated that younger participants, in general, reported higher feelings of connection to the disability community (i.e., higher GDI; p = .001); Cohen’s f 2 was .13, a small effect. The regression on disability acceptance yielded non-significant findings. Discussion: Researchers and practitioners working with adults who have visual impairments should consider the relationship between an individual’s disability affirmation and decision-making regarding mobility tool use and training . Future research should also examine hypotheses regarding the negative association between age and GDI among adults with visual impairments. Implications for practitioners: Practitioners within the field of visual impairment may benefit from a consideration of consumer disability identity, including disability affirmation and disability group affiliation.

Among four traveller types in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Region, who uses ride-hailing?

Despite the rising popularity of ride-hailing, planning practitioners are still learning about the use and management of the service. This paper seeks to uncover who the primary users of ride-hailing are through a cluster analysis using traveller behaviour and mobility tool variables, where four traveller types are identified -- Multi-Modal Super-Sharers, Auto + Private Mobility Travellers, Car-Dependent Travellers, and Low Mobility Travellers. This paper finds that current auto-oriented travellers are not using ride-hailing, as demonstrated by Mobility Travellers and Car-Dependent Travellers. Additionally, ride-hailing is primarily used by non-auto-oriented travellers. The largest proportion of regular ride-hailing users, Multi-Modals Super-Sharers, are the youngest, are more educated, have access to the largest variety of mobility tools, and travel the most. For Low Mobility Travellers, the most vulnerable group based on household income, educational attainment, employment status, and car ownership, ride-hailing is filling a transportation gap. Understanding who uses ride-hailing is a key component in understanding the potential changes in travel behaviour.

Among four traveller types in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Region, who uses ride-hailing?

Despite the rising popularity of ride-hailing, planning practitioners are still learning about the use and management of the service. This paper seeks to uncover who the primary users of ride-hailing are through a cluster analysis using traveller behaviour and mobility tool variables, where four traveller types are identified -- Multi-Modal Super-Sharers, Auto + Private Mobility Travellers, Car-Dependent Travellers, and Low Mobility Travellers. This paper finds that current auto-oriented travellers are not using ride-hailing, as demonstrated by Mobility Travellers and Car-Dependent Travellers. Additionally, ride-hailing is primarily used by non-auto-oriented travellers. The largest proportion of regular ride-hailing users, Multi-Modals Super-Sharers, are the youngest, are more educated, have access to the largest variety of mobility tools, and travel the most. For Low Mobility Travellers, the most vulnerable group based on household income, educational attainment, employment status, and car ownership, ride-hailing is filling a transportation gap. Understanding who uses ride-hailing is a key component in understanding the potential changes in travel behaviour.

PROMIS Paediatric Mobility tool is correlated with accelerometer-measured physical activity in children with hip diseases

Aims The reduction in mobility due to hip diseases in children is likely to affect their physical activity (PA) levels. Physical inactivity negatively influences quality of life and health. Our aim was to objectively measure PA in children with hip disease, and correlate it with the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Mobility Score. Methods A total of 28 children (12 boys and 16 girls) with hip disease aged between 8and 17 years (mean 12 (SD 3)) were studied between December 2018 and July 2019. Children completed the PROMIS Paediatric Item Bank v. 2.0 – Mobility Short Form 8a and wore a hip accelerometer (ActiGraph) for seven consecutive days. Sedentary time (ST), light PA (LPA), moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), and vigorous PA were calculated from the accelerometers' data. The PROMIS Mobility score was classified as normal, mild, and moderate functions, based on the PROMIS cut scores on the physical function metric. A one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to assess differences among mobility (normal; mild; moderate) and measured PA and relationships between these variables were assessed using bivariate Pearson correlations. Results Children classified as normally functioning on the PROMIS had less ST (p = 0.002), higher MVPA, (p = 0.002) and VPA (p = 0.004) compared to those classified as mild or moderate function. A moderate correlation was evident between the overall PROMIS score and daily LPA ( r = 0.462, n = 28; p = 0.013), moderate-to-vigorous PA ( r = 0.689, n = 28; p = 0.013) and vigorous PA (VPA) ( r = 0.535, n = 28; p = 0.013). No correlation was evident between the mean daily ST and overall PROMIS score (r = -0.282, n = 28; p = 0.146) Conclusion PROMIS Pediatric Mobility tool correlates well with experimentally measured levels of physical activity in children with hip disease. We provide external validity for the use of this tool as a measure of physical activity in children. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):405–410.