The domain covers changing position, moving through environments and reaching the places, services and people required for participation. It is distinct from physical activity: a person can be physically active and still lack transportation, or have strong transport access while engaging in little movement.

Mobility is particularly revealing because technologies and infrastructure can radically change functional capacity. A wheelchair, an elevator, accessible transit, a car, a walkable neighborhood or assistance from another person can all alter what the same body is able to access.

This distinction is strongly supported by accessibility research. Systematic reviews show that inaccessible public-space and street design can limit mobility, safety and social participation for people using mobility devices. Assistive products and accessible infrastructure can improve functioning without changing the person’s underlying body functions.