When support feels close: The buffering role of perceived service proximity in disability, safety, and self-rated health.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: = 5,165; 14,018 observations), we conducted individual-level fixed-effects regressions to estimate the associations between perceived disability levels and the two outcomes. Interaction terms were included to assess the moderating effects of proximity to social welfare and health care centers. RESULTS: = -0.132). These negative associations were attenuated among individuals reporting proximity to social welfare and health care centers, suggesting a buffering role of perceived service accessibility. CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS: These findings highlight the importance of place-based interventions that improve accessibility to essential services in promoting health and well-being for people with disabilities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).