How to Accommodate Women With Mobility Limitations in Biological Studies

Abstract

People with disabilities should be routinely included in research studies if there is no specific reason for their exclusion. Regardless, they may be inadvertently excluded because of the procedures of the study. By conducting a community-based biological study with women aging with mobility limitations, these authors gained further understanding of their accommodation needs during research participation. The women aging with mobility limitations offered specific physical, cultural, or environmental needs that could have influenced the methods, procedures, and possible outcomes involved when conducting a biological study with this community living population. The authors and participants identified methodological challenges for women with mobility impairments within three key areas: recruitment procedures, laboratory procedures, and community-based data collection. The authors propose possible solutions to these identified challenges. It is our hope that this will begin a larger dialogue on how to routinely accommodate people with disabilities in biological research studies.

The ‘invisible’ needs of women with disabilities in transportation systems

“…Michael Masutha and William Rowland, two South African activists, have said, 'Nothing about us without us!' Therefore, involving individuals with disabilities in research (Walker et al 2015) can also foster greater awareness of the risks they encounter as well as the most suitable strategies for eliminating them.…”

Mixed-Methods Study of Disability Self-Management in Mexican Americans With Osteoarthritis

“…Our staff from the MA community, community advisory board of people with disabilities, and people from the MA community with disabilities were essential. Home and community data collection of complex data when working with adults aging with a disability is complex but essential for progress (Walker et al, 2015).…”

“…A team of two data collectors was sent to obtain written informed consent, answer questions, collect biological data, and complete behavioral surveys. We followed directions from a previous pilot feasibility study on how to work in homes with vulnerable populations with disability (e.g., see Walker et al, 2015). Data collectors entered homes with the survey instruments, consent forms, written directions with reminders to ensure standardized sequence and completion of data collection, blood sample containers/kits, a rolling cart with safety equipment, and a cooler for blood sample storage.…”