In the realm of higher education, research addressing accessibility issues is paramount. One notable figure in this field is Austin Duncan, an assistant professor of disability independence at the College of Health. Duncan’s personal journey as a traumatic brain injury survivor, following an accident involving a bus in 2003, sparked his interest in understanding the social and cultural dimensions of neurological differences. His work aims to shine a light on the disparities faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly in the Lehigh Valley area in Pennsylvania.
Duncan joined the College of Health in 2024 and has since partnered with Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, a facility dedicated to aiding individuals with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. This collaboration underscores the importance of integrative approaches to healthcare that consider the multifaceted needs of neurodiverse communities. According to Kim Stolarik, Good Shepherd’s associate vice president for development, the center’s outpatient services extend to individuals diagnosed with autism, sensory processing disorders, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, among others.
One essential element in addressing community health needs is the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). As mandated by IRS guidelines, charitable hospitals conduct these assessments every three years to identify local health issues through data collection and analysis. In 2022, Good Shepherd collaborated with Muhlenberg College for their CHNA and has now partnered with Lehigh’s College of Health to expand their efforts. Duncan, along with Rebecca Chang, a graduate student in the Mental Health Counseling program, and Professor Michael Gusmano, the trio developed a survey targeted at three distinct groups: individuals with neurodivergent disabilities, their families and caregivers, and medical professionals.
Despite the thoughtful design of the survey, Duncan and Chang encountered challenges, particularly with low response rates from both individual participants and professionals. This highlights a significant barrier often encountered in accessibility research: the difficulty in gathering comprehensive data that accurately reflects community needs. Chang emphasized the importance of actively listening to community members, stating, “It is really essential to create pathways that are accessible and culturally competent and community informed.” This insight is vital in shaping effective strategies that resonate with those in the disabled community.
To further understand the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in the Lehigh Valley, Duncan has organized workshops and focus groups. Throughout these discussions, a pervasive theme has emerged: many individuals with disabilities feel unsafe leaving their homes. This sentiment echoes a broader concern about the infrastructural deficiencies in the area. While some accessible features, such as audible crosswalks, exist in parts of the Lehigh Valley, their inconsistency and insufficient implementation hinder community mobility.
Duncan highlighted specific safety concerns regarding sidewalks in North and South Bethlehem, where fast-driving vehicles and distracted drivers compromise pedestrian safety. “There are some accessible features,” he noted, “but they are not universally implemented.” This inconsistency exacerbates feelings of insecurity among those with disabilities and often discourages them from engaging in community activities.
Another critical barrier identified by Duncan is related to information access. Individuals with disabilities are often unaware of the events available to them, even when those events promise to be enjoyable and enriching. The lack of accessible information concerning transportation, facilities, and safety protocols leads many to opt out of opportunities. Duncan stressed that Good Shepherd is proactive in addressing this gap by leveraging their ongoing connection with patients to disseminate vital information.
Stolarik echoed the sentiment, noting that Duncan’s work on the CHNA survey has facilitated better understanding of communication methods preferred by individuals with disabilities. Duncan’s approach to community engagement, which includes hosting focus groups, allows for diverse voices to be heard, ensuring that communication is both effective and considerate of varying needs.
While local initiatives are fundamental in supporting the disabled community, Duncan advocates for broader systemic changes at both state and federal levels. The enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 marked a significant milestone in disability rights, positioning the U.S. as a leader in the movement. However, Duncan recognizes that much work remains to be done. “I wish that we, as a community here in Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley overall, would realize the power that we do have to improve things for the quarter of our population who are disabled or have disabilities that have primarily become invisible,” he stated.
Duncan’s work exemplifies the critical interplay between academic research and community engagement in advancing accessibility issues. The blending of personal experience as a traumatic brain injury survivor, academic rigor, and community collaboration presents a holistic approach to addressing ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. His efforts foster a greater awareness of the urgent need for improved accessibility, both in environmental design and communication pathways, advocating for a more inclusive society where everyone has the right to participate fully.
The research conducted through partnerships like that between the College of Health and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation shines a light on the existing barriers while paving the way forprogress. As Duncan emphasizes, addressing these issues isn’t merely an act of charity; it’s a matter of social justice and human dignity. Improved accessibility benefits not just the disabled community but society as a whole, promoting inclusivity, enhancing diversity, and fostering innovation.
This calls for an ongoing commitment from stakeholders—healthcare providers, local governments, educational institutions, and community organizations—to engage in continuous dialogue, share resources, and enact policies that prioritize accessible design and equity. Their collaborative efforts can lead to the development of safer infrastructure, improved communication, and enhanced community resources tailored for the needs of individuals with disabilities.
As Duncan continues his essential work, it becomes increasingly evident that the road to accessibility and equity is a shared journey. With a focus on not just data collection but genuine understanding, community-centric solutions can be found. By engaging with individuals who are often marginalized, researchers and policymakers can construct a more nuanced picture of the challenges faced by the disabled community, ultimately leading to effective and sustainable solutions.
As we look toward the future, it remains critical to recognize that accessibility issues are not isolated to specific locations or populations; they represent a broader global challenge. Bridging the gap between neurotypical and neurodivergent experiences requires a paradigm shift in how we think about and design our communities. The ongoing research led by Duncan and his collaborators serves as a catalyst for this change, urging us all to reflect on our societal structures and consider how we can contribute to a more accessible world.
In conclusion, Austin Duncan’s work at the College of Health, particularly through his partnership with Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, exemplifies the vital intersection of academia, community engagement, and advocacy. His research not only addresses immediate accessibility issues but also champions a broader dialogue on disability rights, encouraging all of us to become active participants in creating inclusive spaces. As awareness around these issues continues to grow, it is essential that we support and amplify the voices and experiences of individuals with disabilities, recognizing their rights to access, participation, and dignity within the community.
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