COVID-19, Disability, and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: A Scoping Review of Early-Stage Pandemic Response.

Introduction: This study aimed to systematically identify the environmental factors that impacted people with disability during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A scoping literature review was conducted using LitCOVID (January 1-July 31, 2020). Sixty-six articles met the inclusion criteria that (1) discussed disability and/or health conditions related to functioning and (2) considered environmental factors.

Using a participatory action strategic approach to enhance accessibility and participation in arts and cultural events: results of four focus groups.

Background: Cultural events are abundant in a midwestern college town; however, individuals with disabilities have expressed concerns about their accessibility. Policymakers, business owners, and managers often ignore disability-related issues. Research shows accessibility is the main environmental barrier to participation in arts and cultural events.

Participation among adults with disability: the role of the urban environment.

Increasing attention is being paid to the importance of built environment characteristics for participation, especially among people with various levels of impairment or activity limitations. The purpose of this research was to examine the role of specific characteristics in the urban environment as they interact with underlying impairments and activity limitations to either promote or hinder participation in life situations. Using data from the Chicago Community Adult Health Study (2001-2003) in the United States, we used logistic regression to examine the effect of built environment characteristics on three indicators of participation (interpersonal interaction, obtaining preventive health care, and voting) among adults age 45+ (N = 1225).

Environments for healthy ageing: a critical review.

Population health outcomes are shaped by complex interactions between individuals and the environments in which they live, work and play. Environments encompass streets and buildings (physical environment), attitudes, supports and relationships with others (social environment), as well as social and political systems and policies. The impact of environments on the physical, mental health and functioning of individuals has emerged as a growing body of research in population health and health disparities.

An insider's view on person-centred rehabilitation: a case study.

Purpose: The author, a rehabilitation specialist of more than 30 years, presents her observations of the medical and rehabilitation services her husband received after a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Building on the person-centred approach, she identified several problems and describes theory-based strategies how she and her husband (patient) addressed these problems. In addition, she provides insight in the complex role she fulfilled as family caregiver: liaison, advocate and as personal health manager (taking care of her own health).

Computer-related assistive technology: satisfaction and experiences among users with disabilities.

Many people with disabilities use assistive technology devices (ATDs) for computer access. The specific focus of this exploratory study was (a) to assess the experiences, opinions, and satisfaction levels of 24 individuals with disabilities using computer-related ATDs; (b) to investigate their awareness of health risk factors related to computer usage; and (c) to examine the psychosocial impact of computer-related ATDs on users. Data were collected via telephone interviews with 24 individuals with physical disabilities who had experience using one or more ATDs.

Health promotion and education: application of the ICF in the US and Canada using an ecological perspective.

Health promotion is an issue comprised of complex and multi-layered concepts that involves a process of enabling people to increase control over and improve their health. The aims and applications of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), with its focus on components of functioning, activities and participation, and environmental factors are salient to health promotion and health education efforts. For individuals with or without disabilities, health promotion occurs within the community in which they reside and is influenced by a complex interaction of personal and environmental factors.

Health behavior change models and theories: contributions to rehabilitation.

Purpose: This article highlights the importance of health behavior change (HBC) theory, and its relevance to rehabilitation research and practice.

Method: An extensive review of HBC-related literature pertinent to rehabilitation was conducted, focusing on the potential impact of these theories and models in enhancing long-term results of rehabilitation with regard to lifestyle change and health promotion, and outlining the benefits of incorporating HBC themes into rehabilitation practice. For our purposes, the HBC concept is based on initiation and maintenance of health behaviors, functioning, wellness, and self-management of chronic conditions or disabilities within an environmental context.

Health behavior change among office workers: an exploratory study to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

The purpose of this evidence-based study is to investigate the impact of a multi-component intervention on health behavior change among office/computer workers in preventing repetitive strain injuries. Forty office workers employed in an administrative office in Michigan participated in this project. The subjects completed a comprehensive questionnaire at three different times in 1994 and 1995.

Effectiveness of an educational intervention to increase knowledge and reduce use of risky behaviors associated with cumulative trauma in office workers.

OBJECTIVE: This pilot project assessed the effectiveness of an intervention to increase knowledge and reduce risky behaviors related to cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) in office workers. STUDY DESIGN: All 124 employees from the administrative offices of a health maintenance organization were invited to participate. Subjects were followed across time using an identification number.

A return to work program for injured workers: a reassignment model.

The current workers' compensation system does not encourage permanently restricted workers who are disabled due to work related injuries to return to work. Workers are often labeled permanently disabled and are released from their positions with their employers. However, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, these individuals may be qualified to return to productive employment.