1. How did ODO operationalize the definition of an adult with a disability? What
arguments could you make that the definition was too inclusive or too narrow?
According to the ODO’s precise definition, disability encompasses a comprehensive
range of physically limiting conditions that are lifelong, yet it excludes individuals with mental
or emotional disabilities (Schindler, 2022). An argument that can be made in terms of the
definition being too inclusive or too narrow is that among the 40% of seniors expected to receive
disability diagnoses, a specific subset of 10% will experience non-physical disabilities. As per
the CDC’s findings, these individuals will face impairments affecting their cognitive abilities,
such as learning disabilities, severe difficulties in concentration, memory recall, and decision-
making (CDC, 2021).
Disability exists within the complex interplay of inaccessible social and physical
environments, as well as both physical and mental impairments (Shakespeare, 2010). Public
health faces the challenge of assessing risks, raising awareness about mental illnesses and
treatment effectiveness, eradicating stigma associated with disability, and ensuring access to
treatment to eliminate health disparities and enhance healthcare accessibility for older adults.
Therefore, it is likely that the actual prevalence of mental health disorders in the elderly
population is not accurately reflected (CDC, 2021). The fact that ten percent represents a
significant proportion of the elderly population underscores the importance of acknowledging
and addressing this group’s needs, as it appears to have been overlooked in the study and calls
for a reassessment.
Therefore, it is likely that the actual prevalence of mental health disorders in the elderly
population is not accurately reflected (CDC, 2021). The fact that ten percent represents a
significant proportion of the elderly population underscores the importance of acknowledging
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and addressing this group's needs, as it appears to have been overlooked in the study and calls for
a reassessment.
2. Analyze the research design’s various components. Identify any potential problems
and explain the ramifications of these design issues. Identify potential strengths of
the design.
The various components of the research design include focus groups, questionnaire
designs, and telephone/interactive online interviews. With respect to focus groups, 13
participants engaged in two sessions to identify and clarify critical issues related to the problem
at hand. The purpose was to gain a better understanding of the issue and obtain answers that
would lead to a solution. Focus groups are considered effective because the researcher has
greater control and flexibility in analyzing participants, and group members are easily accessible.
However, a drawback is that the group may not fully represent all characteristics and important
issues relevant to the larger population of disabled individuals (Schindler, 2004).
With respect to questionnaire designs, this is where the researcher incorporates input
from stakeholders, such as organizations involved in daily interactions with the disabled
population and disability issues. The questionnaire was used to fine-tube and filter relevant data,
reducing unnecessary errors in the research process. Although it involved trial and error, the
questionnaire methodology is a powerful tool for comprehension (Schindler, 2022).
As for telephone/interactive online interviews, this method enhances the efficiency of the
research process, particularly since the study focuses on disabled individuals. Conducting
interviews via telephone or interactive online platforms allows better access to individuals who
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may have limited communication capabilities. Many disabled individuals rely on these means of
communication, making them suitable for obtaining feedback (Schindler, 2022).
3. What is a hybrid (dual-modality) methodology? What are the pros and cons of the
hybrid methodology used in this study?
Harris Interactive utilized a hybrid methodology to ensure the inclusion of the desired
target population. Approximately half of the participants were sourced from an online database
and evaluation specifically tailored for people with disabilities, while the remaining half were
recruited through telephone respondents. Some of the telephone respondents had previously
participated in Harris Interactive studies and expressed willingness to engage in disability-related
surveys.
However, a significant challenge with the hybrid methodology is the lack of homogeneity
among participant groups. The elderly, in particular, exhibit diverse communication preferences
and abilities, which becomes more problematic when considering different disabilities such as
blindness, hearing loss, or other physical impairments that require alternative communication
methods. Laura Light, research director at Harris Interactive, emphasizes the importance of using
both online and telephone methods to achieve a representative sample since not all individuals
with disabilities can be reached through a single approach. She states, “People with disabilities
are not all reachable by phone or online; the nature of their disability will sometimes exclude one
method or another” (Schindler, p. 2 2022). The drawback of this method, however, is the
increased time required to conduct interviews with the participants.
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4. Francie Turk had no prior experience with researching Americans with disabilities.
Assume you have a similar background; what would you have done in the
exploratory phase of this project to become familiar with the frustrations and
hurdles that adults with disabilities face when traveling? Compare your research
process with what ODO did. What could ODO have gained from incorporating your
methods?
In the initial phase of this project, if I had a similar background and circumstances, one of
my primary objectives would be to gain a thorough understanding of the population I would be
working with. To achieve this, I would actively engage with disabled individuals by listening to
their experiences and having meaningful conversations with them. I would also attentively
address their concerns, both significant and minor, and make an effort to capture their
perspectives on various aspects of their lives. I would strive to comprehend the daily challenges
they face and how these limitations affect them economically, socially, and as members of
society.
Furthermore, I would conduct research by directly interacting with individuals
responsible for providing services that cater to or are frequented by the disabled population, such
as service providers, airlines, restaurants, hotels, and more. By gathering firsthand information
from these sources, I believe I would gain valuable insights and develop a more empathetic
approach to analyzing the situation. While acknowledging the effectiveness of the mechanical
approach employed by ODO in their extensive study, I would emphasize a more humanistic
approach by actively listening and engaging in conversations with the affected individuals.
Therefore, I would strive to communicate directly with both those who experience the problem
and those who have the potential to create or contribute to its solution (Schindler, 2004).
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5. Brainstorm lists of potential hotel, restaurant, and rental car accommodations to be
evaluated for adults with disabilities and create your own paired-comparison question.
During a phone interview, how quickly could you cover this question? What are the
advantages and disadvantages to using this measurement scale in the phone survey in
comparison to using it in the online survey?
The paired-comparison approach used in this study involves evaluating multiple
hospitality establishments and assessing their performance based on specific criteria such as
efficiency and accommodations. All establishments within the hospitality industry are compared
to one another across all criteria. However, a significant omission in the study is the lack of
explanation for the selection of a particular car rental business, airline, or hotel. It would have
been beneficial to include baseline questions that identify what sets the chosen airline apart from
its competitors. While the survey did inquire about the importance of certain factors, it failed to
explore whether the accommodation needs were adequately met. If I were conducting this
research over the phone, I would have introduced these comparisons after gathering information
about the travel partners that were utilized.
In order to facilitate this goal, I would have implemented several potential
accommodations which include hotels that have larger rooms with larger elevators that are
designed for individuals with disabilities. Also, hotels can offer TDD (Telecommunications
Device for the Deaf) telephone equipment for guests who have hearing impairments. Car rental
companies can install sliding doors on their vehicles that are specifically designed for easy
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access. Additionally, they can equip their cars with special communication devices to enable
disabled individuals to request roadside assistance conveniently.
6. What are the management, research, and investigative questions driving the next
Adults with Disabilities: Travel and Hospitality Study?
The management, research, and investigative questions driving the next Adults with
disabilities are deeper examination of the elderly population and the challenges they will
encounter while traveling. Given the recent pandemic, there will still be a need for specific
investigation into how elderly individuals with disabilities can be accommodated during their
travels to ensure that they are safe and protected while traveling.
References
“Disability Impacts All of Us Infographic | CDC”. (2023). Centers for Disease Control. Retrieved
on June 6, 2023 from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/ infographic-disability-
impacts-all.html
“The State of Mental Health and Aging | CDC”. (2023). Centers for Disease Control. Retrieved
on June 6, 2023 from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/ infographic-disability-
impacts-all.html
Schindler, P. (2004). Open Doors: Extending Hospitality to Travelers with Disabilities.
Retrieved June 6, 2023, from https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/465669/assignments/7412680
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