Access Ratings for Buildings: Feasibility Study and Implications for Interdisciplinary Training using the AccessTools App

Research Objectives To test the feasibility of a hybrid web-based and mLearning protocol designed to train students to assess the accessibility of public buildings in the community. Design This multi-site randomized feasibility trial involved students engaging in the web-based learning module and public building evaluation using AccessTools app. Students were randomized in the order in which they completed the learning module and building evaluated. Setting Students completed learning online and evaluated restaurants in their community. Participants Rehabilitation therapy students enrolled in assistive technology related courses participated in the study. Interventions The learning module provided in-depth training on how to evaluate the accessibility of public buildings and the app provided a hands-on opportunity for evaluating two local restaurants near each site. Main Outcome Measures (1) recruitment capability and sample characteristics, (2) data collection procedures and outcome measures, (3) the acceptability and suitability of the training procedures, (4) the resources and ability to implement the study, and (5) the participants’ responses to intervention. Students provided information on satisfaction of the training protocol, self-perceived learning, and knowledge via 20 item pre- and post-test. Results 218 students participated in the study which represented greater than 95% enrollment rate. Students were satisfied to very satisfied with the protocol and indicated that they learned much to very much in 8 of 9 learning modules. The knowledge quiz demonstrated a normal distribution. Student scores on the knowledge evaluation increased from approximately 60% to 85% after completion of both phases of the protocol. Students indicated that the protocol was acceptable and suitable for supporting learning wants and needs. Conclusions This study demonstrates the feasibility of using a hybrid training protocol for learning to evaluate the accessibility of public buildings. The training protocol was acceptable, suitable, and demonstrated signals of significant gains in learning. Although findings are promising, additional research is needed to engage additional stakeholders (e.g., architectural/design) to facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations and improved outcomes for people with disabilities. Author(s) Disclosures This work was developed in part under a grant from NIDILRR grant number 90IFDV0006.