Using photovoice to increase social inclusion of people with disabilities: Reflections on the benefits and challenges

J Community Psychol. 2021 Jan;49(1):44-57. doi: 10.1002/jcop.22354. Epub 2020 Jul 22.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand the mobility experiences of mobility device users regarding the environmental and social barriers and facilitators in their community and to discuss the benefits and challenges of using photovoice, as a participatory methodology, to increase social participation for people with disabilities. Photovoice was used with mobility device users (n = 70) in two different locations in Canada. The participants took pictures for two weeks and then participated in individual interviews and focus group sessions to discuss their photographs. The participants took over 1,000 pictures that were grouped into five themes around social participation and accessibility. They chose the most illustrative pictures to share in an exhibit to create a dialogue with different stakeholders. Using photovoice offered many benefits such as allowing the participants to be equal partners of the research and made their voices heard, but also presented disability and study-related challenges.

Keywords: disability; participatory research; photovoice; social participation; urban environment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Canada
  • Disabled Persons*
  • Focus Groups
  • Humans
  • Social Inclusion*
  • Social Participation