Implementation Determinants of Knowledge Mobilization within a Quebec Municipality to Improve Universal Accessibility

Abstract

According to the UN-CRPD, cities must develop action plans about universal accessibility (UA). Operationalization of these plans is complex, and little is known about what municipal employees know about UA. Aim: The aim is to document implementation determinants of UA within a municipal organization in Quebec, Canada. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was performed. Employees answered a survey based on the TDF and the DIBQ. Facilitators, barriers, and factors influencing the determinants were identified. Results: A total of 43% of the employees completed the survey. The implementation of UA measures is more facilitated by their beliefs about the impact on citizens, while the external context hinders the proper implementation. It is also influenced by six factors: (1) professional role, (2) capacity, (3) resources, (4) willingness, (5) characteristics, and (6) feedback. Discussion: Results suggest that understanding the consequences, sufficient resources, abilities, and willingness can influence implementation of UA. Conclusion: These findings have informed the objectives of the next action plan of the municipal organization and could guide the development of solutions.

Co-design knowledge mobilization tools for universal accessibility in municipalities

“…The number of questions that needed to be answered depended on the response to the initial question in the survey, which inquired about the respondents' familiarity with the municipal organization action plan. This first question was important because of the low level of knowledge of the action plan reported by this city's municipal employees according to our previous study ( 16 ). If respondents were familiar with the action plan, they had to answer an additional 10 questions, bringing the total to 40 questions.…”

“…In the province of Quebec, Canada, municipalities of more than 15,000 citizens must develop universal accessibility action plans ( 12 , 14 ), which are policies detailing specific measures for planning project organization activities ( 15 ). Despite their mandate to draw up a universal accessibility action plan, municipal organizations currently face a lack of knowledge mobilization tools and strategies to facilitate the implementation of the diverse measures outlined in these plans by the decision-makers, managers and employees ( 16 ).…”