Development of a measure of receptivity of the physical environment

Purpose. New models of disability identify the importance of measuring the influence of the environment (environmental barriers) on the performance of persons with disabilities. The objective of this paper is to present a new measure of the receptivity of the physical environment for persons with mobility impairments and to offer preliminary information about its psychometric properties.

Methods. The measure, The Community Health Environment Checklist (CHEC), was developed and validated in a community setting with a group of persons with mobility impairments. Sixty-three destinations (buildings, recreational areas or facilities) were assessed using the CHEC.

Results. Using Cronbach's alpha, the CHEC was found to have an internal consistency reliability of 0.95. The content validity of the CHEC was assured by the development procedure.

Conclusion. The CHEC offers a brief, easily administered measure of receptivity of the physical environment for persons with mobility impairments that is psychometrically sound.