Aging and Disability: An Exploration of Barriers and Facilitators to Community Living

Demographic data projections for the United States indicate a significant increase in the population of older persons with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates community access for individuals with disabilities, including older individuals who are aging with or aging into disabilities. However, there is limited research regarding the knowledge and the use of the ADA among this population specific to their perceptions and experiences regarding barriers and facilitators to community access and participation as mandated under the Act. The purpose of this qualitative focus group study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of a sample of older adults with disabilities regarding their community access, and their knowledge and utilization of the provisions of the ADA to facilitate community participation. Analysis of results identified three predominant themes within this sample of older adults: experiences with structural and attitudinal barriers to community access leading; fear of loss of autonomy and independence in the community, and how they deploy; coping and advocacy strategies to address barriers. Recommendations for improving ADA knowledge, access, and utilization among the population, as well as senior service providers, are also addressed.