Disablement in Prince George, BC: A qualitative, holistic and participatory exploration.

(dis)Abled people are frequently faced with barriers to their mobility when navigating the built environment, especially in colder climates yet little is known about this experience in northern BC. Using downtown Prince George as a study area, my research examines the lived experience of (dis)Ability in a northern, ageing, resource-based city and seeks to gain an understanding of what barriers are, how they impact (dis)Abled people, and why environments are disabling. Using go-along interviews, I found that barriers are often characteristics of the built and seasonal environment. Although generalizations cannot be made between individuals, the results suggest that barriers are connected to the presence of ableism in society and negatively impact (dis)Abled people participants described situations involving increased health issues, intense emotional stress and loss of autonomy. Exclusion, marginalization and discrimination are also uncovered as part of the lived experience of (dis)Ability in Prince George. I conclude that the first step towards an enabling environment is a social shift. --Leaf ii.