PAHVL: Project Summary > Research Design
The research methodology for the research project was grounded on a "Participatory Action Research" (PAR) model, whereby both consumer and researcher are involved collaboratively in all phases of the research project. It is believed that a close partnership between consumer and researcher - the key element of PAR - increases the development of relevant research, user-friendly testing instruments, valid and appropriate interventions, and more effective dissemination strategies (White, Suchowierska, & Campbell, 2002). Since 1995, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research has strongly encouraged the use of PAR when conducting research with persons with disabilities. Indeed, the utilization of PAR was a requirement for this research project, and one of its major strengths.
The PAR Team
The charge of the PAR team was to collaborate with the research staff by reviewing relevant information related to the project, and providing the research staff with insights, direction, recommendations and personal perspectives that would impact the direction and outcomes of the research.
Participatory Action Research (PAR) Team Members:
- Harry Anderson, American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB)
- Tom Miller, Blinded Veterans of America (BVA)
- Rocky Stone, National Association on Hearing Loss (formerly Self Help for the Hard of Hearing)
- Marsha Fenistore, National Association on Hearing Loss (formerly Self Help for the Hard of Hearing)
- McArthur Garrett, President of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Deaf-Blind Division
- Patty Sarchi, American Council of the Blind (ACB) - Special Interest Group on Dual Sensory Impairment
- Charlotte Whitacre, Deaf Seniors of America