The Inclusive Environments Lab directed by Dr. Atiya Mahmood at SFU, has a research focus on examining housing, neighbourhoods, and the built environment through the perspectives of mobility, accessibility, and community participation, particularly for older adults and individuals with mobility, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. Currently, the lab is engaged in three core projects, two of which are a part of the MAP partnership: the Stakeholder Walkability/Wheelability Audit in Neighbourhoods (SWAN) and Project Sidewalk. By utilizing shared tools and sites, the lab aims to integrate knowledge mobilization activities and products across projects, enhancing outreach, promoting wider dissemination of findings, and ensuring the efficient use of resource.
One such knowledge mobilization output is the Digital Gallery by the Inclusive Environments Lab showcasing a collection of stories and insights from their community-based research projects. The gallery includes photovoice boards, short documentaries, and highlights from community forums that reflect lived experiences of participants in Metro Vancouver. Viewer can navigate the gallery via a guided tour or explore independently using the cursor. The gallery is a great resource for researchers, policymakers, students and community members to learn more about what’s being done to make communities more inclusive. Access the Gallery here.