Affiliations: University of Kansas, Research and Training Center on
Full Participation in Independent Living (RTC/IL), 1000 Sunnyside Ave., Dole
4089, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA. Tel.: +1 785 864 4095; Fax: +1 785 864 0706;
E-mail: dotn@ku.edu
Note: [] Corresponding author
Abstract: Objective: This study was conducted a) to examine the concerns of
people with disabilities regarding their participation in independent living
and in society and b) to explore whether people from "emerging" disability
groups and those from "traditional" disability groups prioritize issues
related to these concerns similarly. Study design: National survey using the "Concerns Report Method for
Citizens with Disabilities" (CRM), an agenda-setting instrument, which
involves people with disabilities in the research process. The CRM was
administered to a national sample of people with a variety of disabilities.
Results: Survey items related to employment and vocational
rehabilitation are typically rated as "problems" by the entire group of
respondents as well as by respondents from specific disability groups. One
employment-related item pertaining to adequate salary and benefits emerged as
one of the top three issues selected by the entire group and by respondents in
specific disability groups. Conclusion(s): Despite progress in many areas of disability policy
and quality of life, people with a variety of disabilities remained concerned
about employment and vocational rehabilitation issues. The chronically high
national unemployment rate of people with disabilities highlights the need for
increased attention to programs and policies to address this need.
Keywords: independent living, people with disabilities, Concerns Report Method, participation, employment, vocational rehabilitation
