Making it Real: Participatory Action Research in UCEDDs

2006

There is a need for training materials and opportunities to increase the capacity of UCEDDs to engage in Participatory Action Research processes to promote such partnership. The present project proposes to develop a toolkit of resources, promising practices and tools to assist both individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members, and UCEDD programs with successful and meaningful strategies for partnering in research. The purpose of this project is to develop educational modules on participatory action research with the creation of a toolkit by modeling an inclusive approach. The Council on Consumer Advocacy, a standing Council of the Association for University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), will partner with the Oregon Institute on Disability & Development (OIDD) to develop these educational resources, identify promising practices, and present at least one training event. The purpose of this project is consistent with the priorities and strategic plan of the Council, which includes individuals with developmental disabilities and family members. Through the creation of the toolkit, every UCEDD will be able to access resources that will enhance and increase Participatory Action Research and support initiatives that are most meaningful to people with disabilities and their families. It will also be available to individuals, advocacy groups and state consumer councils. This project will create a portal system that will enable centralization of information in a single web space and provide a large number of content management and collaboration functionalities in modules. These modules include online discussion groups, calendaring for research planning, and to-do lists, as well as other tools. At the completion of the project period, the portal system will be sustained by OIDD and/or AUCD. By providing tools and supports for enhanced participatory research, this project will serve to assure that research addresses issues that are most important to people with disabilities and their family members. It will also lead to inclusive research models across the AUCD network exemplifying strong partnerships and participatory action.

PAR, Research, UCEDDs, COCA

Developing & Disseminating Information

Quality Assurance, Education & Early Intervention, Child Care-Related Activities, Health-Related Activities, Employment-Related Activities, Housing-Related Activities, Transportation-Related Activities, Recreation-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Assistive Technology, Other - Cultural Diversity, Other - Leadership

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities

Specific Groups

National

N/A