Background: The SnapShot Project explores intersectional barriers and participation restrictions faced by persons with disabilities. Using vignettes—short narratives—this international collaboration examines community mobility as a key domain where social determinants influence participation and well-being. This presentation reports on the development and use of vignettes to enhance understanding of the intersectional nature of barriers for vulnerable communities.
Objectives:
• Develop vignettes illustrating intersectional discrimination. • Facilitate interprofessional dialogue using these vignettes. • Evaluate vignettes as educational tools. • Explore collaborative research methodologies.
Methodology: Vignettes were developed using qualitative methods, drawing from ongoing research in three countries. Sources included personal experiences, patient cases, and team input. In May and August 2024, World Café-style workshops were held in Sweden and South Africa with health and social care professionals, older persons, and students to discuss systemic barriers and sustainable development goals.
Results: Findings indicate vignettes effectively increased awareness of intersectional barriers in community mobility. Participants reported deeper insights into systemic exclusion and how intersectionality shapes daily experiences. The workshops facilitated meaningful discussions, highlighting the importance of inclusive policies and practices.
Significance to occupational therapy: This study demonstrates the value of vignettes in occupational therapy education and practice. By translating research into narratives, therapists can better understand and address complex social issues. The SnapShot Project showcases vignettes as powerful pedagogical and advocacy tools, emphasizing the integration of intersectionality in professional discourse to enhance occupational therapy’s role in promoting social justice and inclusion.