Structural factors affecting community mobility for people with mobility impairments in Iceland: A human rights and occupational perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACT Moving between places in the community, or community mobility, is both an occupation and a means to other occupations. In order to move around and participate in society, people with mobility impairments need modifications as they encounter multiple barriers in their everyday lives. This discussion paper makes recommendations for policy development, especially as it relates to accessibility and transportation services for disabled people. This work highlights aspects that need to be incorporated into policy making to support community mobility for people with mobility impairments: (1) Incorporation of occupational values; (2) Participatory policy making; (3) Consistency and transparency in policy documents; and (4) Comprehensive monitoring system. The recommendations are discussed and reflected upon in the light of human rights, occupational science, and the Capabilities Approach. This paper highlights issues that arise at the system level and how limitations of policies and their implementation can lead to multiple capability failures and violations of human rights – such as the difficulties people with mobility impairments face if society fails to provide the necessary means to support their community mobility – and the various ways that situation may affect their other chosen occupations.