NIDILRR ARRT: Environmental Influences on Community Participation Among People with Multiple Sclerosis: Challenges and Solutions from a Community-engaged Perspective 1862

The effects of symptoms and impairments on the ability to participate in important life activities among people with multiple sclerosis have been well documented, yet how physical, social, and attitudinal environments influence community participation is underexplored. This three-phased project used an explanatory sequential mixed methods design and a community-engaged research approach to understand the role of environmental factors in affecting participation ability and participation of people MS. First, a secondary analysis of data from a nationwide sample of 100 participants with MS was conducted. Second, using convenience sampling for nationwide recruitment, 24 PwMS participated in four online focus groups. Lastly, 21 participants representing various roles in the MS community (e.g., PwMS, caregivers, clinicians, and community organization representatives) attended the online community engagement meeting. Statistical results showed that environmental factors, particularly financial resources and neighborhood safety, were significantly associated with community participation outcomes. Qualitative findings provided complementary insights into specific barriers in physical, societal, and attitudinal environments, such as inaccessible built environment, employment challenges, and ableist attitudes. Participants noted acceptance and adaptation as useful strategies but called for improvements in the built environment, information access, MS specialty care, and public attitudes. Specific recommendations for achieving these improvements were discussed. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the project design and key findings, and discuss the importance of engaging community perspectives in rehabilitation research.