The Disability Participation and Quality of Life Research Lab, under the supervision of Dr. Laura Rice, has recently published the results of their study titled “Engaging Wheelchair and Scooter Users in the Co-Design of an mHealth Application for Fall Prevention and Management: Thematic Analysis of Focus Group Research” in the Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology journal. This study explores the development of the iROLL-O+ mobile app, designed to support fall prevention and management for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and multiple sclerosis (MS) who use wheelchairs and scooters full-time. Through two focus group discussions, participants provided valuable feedback on the app’s functionality, usability, accessibility, and appearance. Their input helped identify areas for improvement and underscored the app’s potential to enhance access to and engagement with the Individualized Reduction of FaLLs (iROLL) program. The findings highlight the importance of user-centered design in creating effective rehabilitation tools and suggest that the app could increase the program’s reach and impact, improving fall prevention education for people with mobility challenges.

To read the full study, please visit: https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2024.2422391