Public agencies serving persons with disabilities are frequently required to conduct a needs assessment of their target population for purposes of program planning and resource allocation. This paper examines methodological issues and limitations, anticipated and unanticipated, which were encountered while conducting a public agency survey to assess consumer satisfaction with existing health and social services and to identify unmet needs for these services. The survey consisted of interviews with nearly 300 adults with physical disabilities residing in two urban multi-cultural counties in California. Methodological issues and limitations are discussed in relation to defining and accessing the target population; respresentative sampling by disability, race and ethnicity; locating isolated subgroups; using key informants and focus groups as data sources; cultural adaptation of the interview instrument; mandated informed consent; interviewer training; and participation by groups and agencies with special interests. These issues and limitations are discussed in light of their consequences for the planning and delivery of health and social services and their impact on maintaining a politically viable agency that is responsive to the needs of its consuemrs.
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this presentation, session participants will be able to 1) identify methodological issues and limitations which affect the quallity of data collected in community-based needs assessment studies of persons with disabilities; 2) identify and assess the efficacy of various strategies for addressing these methodological issues and limitations; and 3) assess the impact of these methodological issues and limitations on the planning and delivery of health services
Keywords: Disability Studies, Methodology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: NONE
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.