The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #60388

Glen W. White, PhD¹, Dorothy E. Nary, MA², James Budde, EdD², and Yen Vo Hoang, BA². (1) Research and Training Center on Independent Living, University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Dole 4089, Lawrence, KS 66045, (795) 864-4095, glen@ku.edu, (2) RTC/IL, University of Kansas, University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Dole 4089, Lawrence, KS 66045

Researchers at the RTC/FPIL conducted a nationwide survey of persons with disabilities regarding community participation. The Consumer Concerns Report Method (CCRM) was used to establish an action agenda regarding participation. The survey targeted both persons with “emerging” disabilities, including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome (MCSS), and those with more “traditional” disabilities, including spinal cord injury. Over 1300 responses were received. Results validated other recent surveys in identifying the chronically high unemployment rate of persons with disabilities as a key problem. Overall, for all respondents and for specific disability groups, the survey item rated highest in importance and lowest in satisfaction was, “ You earn enough in salary and benefits to meet your living needs.” This finding validates Objective 6-8 in Chapter 6 of Health People 2010 which addresses the lack of employment parity between disabled and non-disabled citizens. Several other employment items were included in top ten problems identified; survey respondents also identified strengths regarding community participation. The implications of these findings, as well as possible solutions proposed by constituent groups, will be presented.

Learning Objectives:

• List the five top issues identified by persons with disabilities as barriers to participation in the community.
• Understand the difference between "emerging" and more "traditional" disabilities.
• Describe two methodological features of the Community Concerns Report Method that make it especially appropriate for participant involvement (as in Participatory Action Research).

Keywords: Participatory Action Research, Community Participation

Related Web page: www.rtcfpil.org (report will be posted by end of February)

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.