TY  - JOUR
AU  - Mahmood, Atiya
AU  - Rikhtehgaran, Farinaz
AU  - Nasiri, Rojan
AU  - Hedayati, Niloofar
AU  - Pandsheno, Sepehr
AU  - Sharrock, Aislynn
AU  - Mora, Diana Juanita
AU  - Haji Hosseini, Sogol
AU  - Routhier, François
AU  - Mortenson, W.Ben
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/4/10
TI  - Adaptation of the Stakeholders’ Walkability/Wheelability Audit in Neighborhoods (SWAN) Tool for Individuals With Diverse Disabilities: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study
JO  - JMIR Res Protoc
SP  - e60553
VL  - 14
KW  - age and accessibility
KW  - disability experiences
KW  - community engaged research
KW  - inclusive urban design
KW  - user-led built environment audits
AB  - Background: The prevalence of sensory, cognitive, and mobility disabilities in Canada underscores the need to address environmental barriers. This study adapts and validates the Stakeholders’ Walkability/Wheelability Audit in Neighborhoods (SWAN) tool to assess the challenges the built environment poses for individuals with disabilities, aiming to inform policy changes for accessibility and inclusivity. Objective: This study aims to (1) adapt the SWAN tool for those with hearing, vision, or cognitive disabilities; (2) validate SWAN tool for researching environmental barriers for people with disabilities, including older adults; and (3) offer insights for policy changes in the built environment, contributing to literature and guiding future research. Methods: The study uses a community-based research approach, carried out over 4 phases within an 18-month period in British Columbia. Phase 1 includes adapting and pilot-testing of the SWAN tool. In Phase 2, street intersections are identified for data collection using Geographic Information System tools and consultations with municipal officials. Phase 3 involves recruiting participants across four disability categories. The final phase includes analyzing the data and disseminating findings. Results: Data collection concluded in September 2024, involving 80 eligible participants across four streams in preidentified hotspots. The results are expected to be published in March 2025. To date, data collection is ongoing, and we are currently in the process of data analysis. Conclusions: This study will contribute to the growing body of research on built environment accessibility by adapting the SWAN tool for individuals with diverse disabilities. By identifying key barriers in urban spaces, the study aims to inform policy changes that will lead to more inclusive, accessible, and safe urban environments for all individuals. 
SN  - 1929-0748
UR  - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e60553
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2196/60553
DO  - 10.2196/60553
ID  - info:doi/10.2196/60553
ER  -