Exploring and redefining home visitability with the Scia'new and Esquimalt Nations

Abstract

This qualitative study was designed in collaboration with the Scia'new and Esquimalt Nations to learn how home and community design impacts the health and quality of life of those living with mobility challenges in their communities. The research questions were: 1) How does the presence or absence of the three structural visitability features (a zero step entry, 32 inch wide doorway and a wheelchair accessible bathroom on the main floor) impact First Nations people with disabilities, 2) What barriers and supports most impact the quality of life of those living with disabilities, 3) How does reserve community infrastructure influence individual home visitability? Methods included: a community scan to assess the layout and physical infrastructure, and photovoice, employed to provide a medium for documentation by participants and to stimulate individual interviews. The study included interviews with nine participants who identify as First Nations (four from Esquimalt and five from Scia'new) living on reserve with mobility challenges. The thematic analysis included a group check-in session, where key findings were tested and themes verified or modified.Findings indicated that emergent themes were divided into two dimensions: physical safety, including themes of home visitability, physical barriers, home maintenance, and community infrastructure; and social capital, including reciprocity of support, community relations, and Band administration. The results showed that despite the many physical and social barriers experienced by the Scia'new and Esquimalt participants, the degree of social capital strongly mitigated the negative impacts of their limitations.