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

Abstract #70117

Corinne E Kirchner, PhD and Elaine G. Gerber, PhD. Department of Policy Research and Program Evaluation, American Foundation for the Blind, 11 Penn Plaza, Suite 300, New York, NY 10001, 212-502-7640, Corinne@afb.net

This critique of our project at American Foundation for the Blind, which espouses Participatory Action Research, identifies organizational factors that (a) support and (b) hinder, PAR objectives. For an analytic framework, we use Moore et al. (1998), Researching Disability Issues, highlighting contrasts with their examples. AFB’s project is completing its first year as a “pilot” for an on-going effort; thus, discussion at Disability Forum can impact the evolving research process. Our project – “Livable Communities” as judged by blind or visually impaired (B/VI) people – clearly has the “A,” and arguably, “P” components of PAR, with “R” problematic. The project emulates mainstream competitions that announce “best places” for people in certain life-stages/life styles, e.g., retirement, and typically attract media attention. Our project responds to B/VI persons’ requests for research-based information on residential or travel destinations, and to support local advocacy efforts, e.g., pedestrian safety. But we also seek scientific benefit from it by helping to operationalize the construct of “environment” in the “social model” of disability, and yielding substantive findings on community accessibility. B/VI persons’ reactions have been mostly enthusiastic, even beyond Advisory Committee members. Survey respondents sometimes offer to help; but a few express concerns. We will review concerns and reasons for support by B/VI people within and outside AFB; examine why organizational support seems stronger in some domains – notably, Communications (public relations/public education) and Fund-raising – than others; and finally, explore how support can create stress on PAR aims. ------------------- Moore, Beazley, & Maelzer, (1998) Researching Disability Issues, Buckingham, UK: Open University.

Learning Objectives:

At conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
• Define Participatory Action Research and distinguish it from related approaches;
• List types of organizational settings for disability research (academic vs. advocacy) and features that support or stress PAR aims;
• Illustrate, based on research findings, community environmental features that promote or prevent community access for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Keywords: Disability, Community Participation

Related Web page: www.afb.org/livability.asp

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: American Foundation for the Blind
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: My employer