Date of Defense
12-5-2014
Date of Graduation
12-2014
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Debra Lindstrom
Second Advisor
Carla Chase
Third Advisor
Emily Kringle
Abstract
Disability in the developing world encompasses 10% of the global population and much of that population requires the use of a mobility device in order to engage in meaningful occupation. The use and accessibility of mobility devices is shaped by the significance of the barriers surrounding mobility. This research looks comparatively at the factors affecting accessibility and the use of mobility devices in three developing countries; Ghana, Bangladesh, and Guatemala. Trends within literature revealed that economic, environmental, and cultural barriers all had an impact on accessibility. Overall, this study determines that accessibility solutions are not possible without removing barriers to the obtainment and functional use of mobility devices both in the home and community.
Recommended Citation
Shadel, Bethany, "Use of Mobility Devices in Developing Countries; A comparative literature review introducing the contextual factors surrounding accessibility and use of mobility devices in Ghana, Bangladesh, and Guatemala." (2014). Honors Theses. 2495.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/2495
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access