The Problem People with disabilities make up 25% of the population, yet most urban spaces are inaccessible and exclusionary. Many disabled individuals, especially those unemployed, have few social connections beyond paid caregivers. Inaccessible cities limit opportunities for social interaction, worsening isolation and health risks. Small cities face greater challenges due to fewer resources and weaker community ties. The Approach To address this challenge, Dr. Duncan and his colleagues are conducting pilot research using a pragmatic approach comprising: Three community mapping workshops with up to 20 disabled participants and their friends and families in diverse settings in Bethlehem. 30 ethnographic interviews with 10 disabled residents and 20 friends and family members. Social Network Analysis to assess the quality, frequency and location of social connections among disabled residents in Bethlehem. Advancing Connection and Well-Being for Disabled Communities “As a disabled health social scientist, my academic mission is to help the disabled to improve their lives by countering the discrimination, exclusion and injustice they face.” Austin Duncan, PhD, MPA Short Term Impact Amplify the voices of disabled communities through a public forum. Help disabled individuals understand how urban spaces and social connections impact health and well-being. Longer Term Impact Examine how urban environments influence social connections for disabled individuals. Support cities in making urban spaces more accessible and inclusive. Societal Impact Funding for this research will support efforts to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of urban environments for disabled individuals in small cities. The project will examine how urban spaces shape social connection and well-being and provide recommendations to city officials. This committed work offers societal benefits in the following areas: For more information visit https://health.lehigh.edu/research-partners or email INRSRCH@lehigh.edu 8 Policy: Recommendations to help cities create more inclusive spaces for disabled individuals. Community/Culture: Strengthen social connections for disabled individuals.
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