Jacquie D Ripat1, Judy D Redmond, Bill R Grabowecky. 1. Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Manitoba, R1 31-771 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba. ripatj@cc.umanitoba.ca
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Walkability is one feature of a person-friendly community that citizen engagement can influence. PURPOSE: Describe a winter walkability project and how an occupational therapist supported citizen engagement and participation in local policy decision making. METHODS: Seven stakeholder representatives undertook a participatory research project to address winter walkability. Through focus groups and walking logs, 10 citizens provided feedback on barriers to winter walking and a new sidewalk snow-clearing method. Analysis ascertained factors contributing to winter sidewalk walkability and factors promoting citizen engagement. FINDINGS: Results identified reasons for and barriers to walking, perceived reasons for sidewalk conditions, and perceived effectiveness of the snow-clearing intervention. Citizens recommended against using the new snow-clearing method. Factors promoting citizen engagement included individual actions producing nominal results, individual and community-level interest, and development as citizen-experts. IMPLICATIONS This project provides one example of how occupational therapists can take a sociopolitical role and facilitate citizen and occupational engagement.
BACKGROUND: Walkability is one feature of a person-friendly community that citizen engagement can influence. PURPOSE: Describe a winter walkability project and how an occupational therapist supported citizen engagement and participation in local policy decision making. METHODS: Seven stakeholder representatives undertook a participatory research project to address winter walkability. Through focus groups and walking logs, 10 citizens provided feedback on barriers to winter walking and a new sidewalk snow-clearing method. Analysis ascertained factors contributing to winter sidewalk walkability and factors promoting citizen engagement. FINDINGS: Results identified reasons for and barriers to walking, perceived reasons for sidewalk conditions, and perceived effectiveness of the snow-clearing intervention. Citizens recommended against using the new snow-clearing method. Factors promoting citizen engagement included individual actions producing nominal results, individual and community-level interest, and development as citizen-experts. IMPLICATIONS This project provides one example of how occupational therapists can take a sociopolitical role and facilitate citizen and occupational engagement.
Authors: Nancy M Salbach; Ruth Barclay; Sandra C Webber; C A Jones; Nancy E Mayo; Lisa M Lix; Jacquie Ripat; Theresa Grant; Cornelia van Ineveld; Philip D Chilibeck Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2019-04-20 Impact factor: 2.692