The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent mandates upended community participation in the United States. People with disabilities were often more vulnerable to the adverse effects of the pandemic. Some areas of community participation affected for this population include employment, access to transportation, and social engagement and connection to others. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic for people with mobility disabilities across a variety of topics related to community engagement including social interactions with family and friends, and access to caregivers, groceries, transportation, and employment. A survey was administered to participants with mobility disabilities (N = 39). Participants were asked to elaborate on topic areas that they identified as being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and a content analysis in search of themes from open-ended responses. Results indicate that access to family and friends was the most negatively affected topic related to participation, followed by access to food and groceries, transportation, employment, living independently, caring for others, and participating in the community in general. In response to these pandemic-related challenges, participants reported utilizing technology to connect with others and to get essential items delivered. Findings from this rapid research emphasize the need for emergency preparedness strategies, accessible and reliable resources related to technology use (e.g., Internet), and continued access to services for people with disabilities to maintain various aspects of community participation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future.

People with mobility disabilities frequently have unmet needs in their home environment, which can lead to difficulties completing daily living activities. Therefore, it is important that homes are not just accessible, but rather useable, meaning that the home complements an individual's functional, social, and psychological needs. Although previous research has shown the importance of home usability for people with mobility disabilities on health outcomes, this research explores the relationship between home usability and community participation both inside and outside the home. The objective of this study was to understand the perception of people with mobility disabilities on the relationship between community participation and home usability. Twelve participants completed in-person semi-structured interviews to answer questions related to home usability and community participation. A content analysis was used to identify emergent themes. Results indicate that personal, social, and environment factors influence home usability and one's ability to participate in the community. Home usability is a complex concept that is intertwined with a person's ability to participate in their community. Useable homes can facilitate community participation, both inside and outside the home. In fact, home usability is a critical component of community participation, as homes are not only located in the community but are sites from which people access community. Further research is needed to understand the significance of this interaction and the impact of changing home usability on one's ability to participate in the community.