Artist Biography
Angelina Rix is a senior Interior Architecture student at Endicott College, planning to graduate in the spring of 2025. After graduation, she is planning on working at Vivo Architecture in Boston, focusing on creating connections within the eld and learning from other architecture and design professionals. Ever since Angelina was little, she has loved expressing herself through art, whether that be drawing, painting, crocheting, music, or sewing. She decided to pursue Interior Architecture because it combines her love of creativity, while also her love of puzzle piecing and problem solving. She also loves giving back to the community by providing them with unique and inclusive spaces.
Thesis Abstract
Ohana Wellness, a community and medical center for those with mobility impairments, aims to answer the question: How can a community space be accessible for those with mobility impairments, while also allowing them to access medical services and connect with others who have had similar experiences? Creating an inclusive and accessible environment for people with mobility impairments has the power to signicantly enhance their mental, physical, emotional, and nancial well-being.
Mobility impairments can stem from a range of conditions, including neuromuscular disorders like Cerebral Palsy and Parkinson’s, limb amputations, or any condition that limits a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. These impairments are especially prevalent in Southern States, where factors such as lower-quality
healthcare and a higher concentration of physically demanding jobs, like those in manufacturing, agriculture, and construction, contribute to increased risk.
Currently, about 1 in 7 adults live with a mobility impairment. These individuals are of all ages, from young children to older adults. They often face greater nancial strain, requiring 28% more income than without, and are twice as likely to live in poverty. In addition to physical and nancial challenges, they also encounter barriers in accessing adequate healthcare, specialized medical equipment, and emotional support.
A dedicated community and medical center like Ohana Wellness provides a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment that supports holistic well-being, improving the overall quality of life of those with mobility impairments.