To Örebro University

OBJECTIVE: To describe powered wheelchair (PW) and powered scooter (PS) users' experiences of accessibility and housing adaptions in their homes.

METHOD: A qualitative research approach with focus group methodology was used. Four focus groups were created, with men and women as well as PW and PS users in different groups. Applying a descriptive approach, data were analysed according to the principles described by Krueger and Casey.

FINDINGS: With a specific focus on how PW and PS and housing adaptations operate together, the findings of this paper formed two categories: "Possibility of receiving housing adaptations according to individual needs" and "Importance of receiving the correct type of PW and PS in relation to individual needs".

CONCLUSION: It is vital to acknowledge the characteristics and requirements of PW and PS as well as housing adaptations in order to optimize the use of such devices in the home, as a prerequisite for independence, activity and participation. The provision of PW and PS and housing adaptations should be considered and planned simultaneously, applying an explicitly user-centred perspective. Additionally, the collaboration between the different actors involved should be improved.