Social isolation has been shown to negatively affect physical and mental health,
particularly among people with disabilities. Social isolation among people with
disabilities has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even now, people with
disabilities remain hesitant to return to social and community activities due to ongoing
risk of severe cases and death. Yet, we do not have strong models of intervention
designed to address this problem.

ENGAGE is an intervention that may address this gap. ENGAGE was designed to address
social and community participation among people with stroke. We have since conducted
qualitative research to inform adaptation of ENGAGE to meet the needs of a broader range
of people with disabilities related to participation in the context of the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic. This study is the next step in testing and refining the adapted
intervention protocol. At the end of this study, we will have a finalized adapted
intervention protocol ready for large-scale efficacy testing.