R-7, Effects of an Information and Skills Training Package on Increasing Community Participation of Consumers with Mobility-Related Disabilities

Overview

There have been only few empirical studies involving intervention to assess and analyze community participation of people with disabilities. This project aims to increase community participation of CIL consumers with mobility-related disabilities through an information and skills training package, along with peer support to accomplish consumer’s goals for increased community participation.

Study Purpose

The study purpose is to: 1) conduct a small intervention study with the goal of increasing frequency and diversity of community participation by people with mobility-related disabilities through information, skills training, and social support, and 2) test the utility of a Personal Digital Assistance (PDA) device to collect information and measure consumers’ participation in the community

Study Design

A single-subject design (multiple-baseline design across participants) will be used to assess participants’ knowledge and skills acquisition and its affect on community participation. A focus group with CIL consumers has been conducted to learn about facilitators and barriers that affect participation in their community.

Hypotheses

  • Participants will have established and taken action to accomplish their stated goals
  • Participants will participate in the community at a higher rate than baseline levels
  • The research methodology will contribute to a more empirical approach of collecting and verifying data concerning the frequency and diversity of community participation of people with disabilities

Benefits

  • This skills and information package to enhance consumer community participation will be used by CILs to help enhance their current CIL services and programs.

For more information, contact Chiaki Gonda, chiaki@ku.edu; or the Research and Training Center on Measurement and Interdependence in Community Living at the RTC/IL, 4089 Dole, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, Phone: 785-864-4095 (voice), 785-864-0706 (TTY), RTCIL@ku.edu.



National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research grant H133B060018