What influence does mobility have on community participation and health of persons with disabilities?

The research objective is to provide evidence and policy options regarding mobility, community participation, and health of persons with and without disabilities in Switzerland.

The specific aims are:

1. Assess differences between persons with and without disabilities in terms of visiting frequencies to important places, variety of transportation modes, level of community participation, satisfaction and quality of life.
2. Examine how the frequency of visiting important places and the use of different transportation modes correlate with self-rated community participation and satisfaction for persons with and without disabilities
3. Identify factors that hinder or support community participation and mobility for persons with disabilities, including personal perspectives on transportation needs.
4. Develop and validate policy options and tailor them to the Swiss federal context to increase persons with disabilities community participation in relation to their needs.

We employ a mixed method-design, implementing qualitative and quantitative studies across all parts of Switzerland, using research methods such as narrative interviews, photovoice and nationwide surveys. Participants for the studies include persons 18 years of age and above with disabilities and/or chronic conditions.

A nationwide online survey was conducted in Switzerland from January to July 2026 and in Sweden from August to October 2026. The aim was to systematically investigate differences in mobility-related characteristics between people with and without disabilities and/or chronic conditions and to compare the findings across the two participating countries.

The survey collected information on:

• the frequency of visits to important places in everyday life;
• the variety of modes of transport used;
• subjective assessments of social participation and quality of life in relation to mobility.

A total of 4,450 people aged 18–93 participated in the survey, approximately one-third of whom were people with disabilities and/or chronic conditions. Quantitative analysis of the data will be conducted over the coming months and is expected to be completed by mid-2027.

During 2024 and 2025, 25 people with different disabilities and/or chronic conditions were interviewed over a period of one year about their mobility and social participation, both at home and while out and about.

The main findings of the analysis show that many participants experience limited opportunities for and access to mobility and social participation. For example, they have fewer accessible alternative connections available when using public transport.

However, the consequences of these limited opportunities extend far beyond individual situations. Inequalities in opportunities, such as the additional organisational effort required to travel outside the home, profoundly shape the everyday lives of those affected. Over time, they also influence individuals’ identities, social roles, wishes and preferences. For example, activities that individuals previously enjoyed may be replaced by more feasible alternatives, which gradually become their new preferred activities.

The detailed findings will be published shortly.

The researchers also conducted an in-depth narrative analysis of three of the 25 interviews. Three people in South Africa were interviewed using the same approach. The aim was to explore the experiences of people with disabilities and/or chronic conditions when travelling and moving around in two different contexts.

An article presenting the findings has been submitted to the Journal of Occupational Science for publication.

In our Photovoice study, people with disabilities and/or chronic conditions in two regions of Switzerland use photography to document their everyday experiences of mobility and social participation. During group meetings, participants discuss their photographs and develop personal narratives to accompany them.

The workshops have now been completed in both German-speaking and French-speaking Switzerland. The research team is currently preparing a photography exhibition to make the study findings accessible to a wider audience. Scientific articles based on this work are also in preparation.

Preliminary findings highlight the complexity and diversity of mobility experiences among people with disabilities and/or chronic conditions. At the same time, the study provides valuable insights into the implementation of the Photovoice method, which the researchers are continuing to analyse.

• Umfrage zu Mobilität und gesellschaftlicher Teilhabe – jetzt mitmachen, web news, January 2026 (in German)
• Der lange Weg zur Barrierefreiheit, article Vitamin G 1-2025 (in German)
• «Mehr Teilhabe im öffentlichen Raum», article ZHAW Impact 2-2024 (in German)
• Menschen mit Mobilitätseinschränkungen für Studie gesucht, web news, June 2024 (in German)

Project lead

• Prof. Dr. phil. Brigitte Gantschnig, Leiterin Forschung und Entwicklung Institut für Ergotherapie ZHAW
• Prof. Dr. Isabel Margot-Cattin, Professor Haute école de travail social et de la santé HES-SO

Project team

• Prof. Dr. Staffan Josephsson, Docent Karolinska Institutet
• Prof. Dr. Ann-Helen Patomella, Senior Lecturer Karolinska Institutet
• Dr. Sarah Mantwill, Research Manager Swiss Learning Health System (SLHS)
• Sara Frey, Ergotherapeutin MSc, Doktorandin
• Clémence Orain, Ergotherapeutin MSc, Doktorandin
• Dr. Selina Egger, Ergotherapeutin MSc

Projekt partners

• Haute École Spécialisée de Suisse Occidentale HES-SO
• Karolinska Institutet
• Schweizerische Bundesbahnen SBB
• Pro Infirmis
• Fussverkehr Schweiz
• BETAX Genossenschaft
• Association Transport Handicap Vaud
• Sensability
• Swiss Learning Health System SLHS, Universität Luzern
• Eidgenössisches Büro für die Gleichstellung von Menschen mit Behinderungen EBGB

Funding

• Schweizerischer Nationalfonds SNF (Project Nr. 220493)

Projekt period

• 2024-2028