NCDDR 2001 Survey Report:
Highlights of Findings
April 2002
Table of Contents
Highlights:
What disability research areas are most important to consumers? to stakeholders?
What do consumers and stakeholders think about disability research?
When looking for disability research information, what approaches do consumers use most often?
How do the consumers prefer receiving disability research information?
What language do consumers most often prefer when receiving disability research information?
Do consumers have a computer in their home that is available for their use?
Where do consumers use the Internet/Web?
Foreword
The National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR) engages in an annual survey activity to help increase the knowledge base in the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) community regarding dissemination and utilization (D & U) of disability research findings. The survey focuses on obtaining information across major groups invested in disability research. A key component of the survey activity is to gain knowledge about what kinds of disability-related research are important to consumers, how consumers prefer to receive disability research information, and how the use of computers and the Internet/Web are helping consumers' search for information. The knowledge gained helps to inform researchers from the NIDRR community concerning how consumers with disabilities and their families obtain and use disability research information.
During its pilot project phase (1995-1999) the NCDDR conducted several national surveys to establish a baseline about consumers' interest in disability research information and their ability to access such information. In 2000 and 2001 the foci were expanded to learn about consumers' and stakeholders' interests in specific disability research areas, preferences on ways to obtain information, identification of easily accessible sources, and ways that consumers from different racial and ethnic backgrounds prefer to access disability research information.
In this report, major findings are highlighted based on consumer, stakeholder, and NIDRR grantee feedback. (1) Findings from the annual NCDDR investigations are reported to provide D & U insights and suggestions that the NCDDR and other NIDRR grantees can most effectively and efficiently employ in conducting D & U to consumers and targeted groups.
Footnote: (1) Additional information and complete NCDDR 2001 Survey Report findings are available upon request from the NCDDR.
