Applying community based participatory research to a community of persons with disabilites in Durham, North Carolina

Background/Purpose: Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) allows researchers to identify strengths and challenges within a community from the perspective of community members. Many people will have a disability in their lifetime, making it imperative to understand the assets and needs of this community. The purpose of this project is to explain how Action Oriented Community Diagnosis (AOCD) was applied to the persons with disabilities (PWDs) community in Durham, NC and to share information gathered from this process. Methods: This AOCD was conducted in collaboration with PWDs in Durham City, NC over eight months. Data were collected from interviews, focus groups, secondary data sources and study team observations on the strengths, challenges, and needs of this community. Data were analyzed using qualitative methods of coding text to identify patterns in field observations and participant responses to interview questions. Results/Implications: A preliminary analysis of interviews conducted with service providers and community members revealed four predominant themes for PWDs: transportation, housing, employment, and community support. The purpose of applying AOCD in this community is to provide a context in which involved parties can develop a partnership for addressing issues of concern and identify action steps to initiate changes in the present community. We suggest the CBPR process begins with an AOCD that includes identifying themes of focus which are considered of high importance and high changeability. The process should end with a community forum to empower community members to achieve the action steps.