Rojan Nasiri: Masters Thesis
Enhancing Mobility and Participation: Unveiling Mobility Experiences of Older Adults, and People with Disabilities Using the SWAN Tool.
Supervisor: Dr. Atiya Mahmood, SFU, Committee Members: Drs. Ben Mortenson, UBC and Habib Chaudhury., SFU. External Examiner: Dr. Samantha Biglieri (Toronto Metropolitan University)
Overview
This thesis investigates how the built environment in Metro Vancouver impacts the mobility and community participation of older adults and people with disabilities. Utilizing the SWAN tool, a community-driven audit checklist, the study evaluates accessibility across five domains: Functionality, Safety, Land Use, Appearance, and Social Aspects. Conducted in municipalities including Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, North Vancouver, and Surrey, the research addresses Canada鈥檚 aging population and rising disability rates, emphasizing the need for inclusive urban design.
The study aims to:
- Assess accessibility variations across Metro Vancouver municipalities.
- Validate the SWAN tool鈥檚 reliability and measurement properties.
- Explore lived mobility experiences of older adults and people with disabilities.
- Provide policy recommendations to enhance walkable and wheelable communities.
Proposed framework developed by author
Employing a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach, the study engaged 54 participants, including older adults and individuals with diverse disabilities (e.g., mobility, sensory, cognitive). The SWAN tool鈥檚 yes/no audit checklist was used to evaluate sidewalk and street crossing accessibility, supplemented by participant interviews. Quantitative data underwent statistical analysis (e.g., Inter-Rater Reliability, Construct Validity). Qualitative data were used to explain quantitative findings.