Investigating the Accessibility Information of Sports Facilities

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 11:40 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Navigating Transitions and Well-Being in Collegiate Sports: Exploring Postgraduate Paths, Mental Health, Accessibility, and Name, Image, and Likeness (Table 8)

Abstract

Accessibility of sports facilities impacts participation in physical activities and education for people with impairments (Carlsson et al., 2022). This study aims to identify key accessibility indicators and develop usable information for renovations, planning, and user guidance. We conducted a document analysis (Arksey & O'Malley, 2005) of guidelines and literature to compile 1,549 criteria, followed by 18 expert interviews (Flick, 2014) to determine prioritization strategies and practical information designs. The findings highlight the need to assess the relevance of criteria and to weigh different types systematically. Expert interviews identified three prioritization approaches: by groups-of-people, facility areas, and spatial characteristics, underscoring the need for clear, user-specific information to avoid biases, promote inclusivity, and support autonomous decision-making.

Authors

• Jonas Wibowo, Ruhr-Universität Bochum

• Lasse Müller, Bergische University St Wuppertal