Current Sections: HRC Policy >> Research Policy >> Priority Populations

People with Disability

The HRC specifically prioritises research that is of high relevance and benefit to people with disability. The HRC has made this explicit in the research strategies and in the HRC's assessment process. The Expert Panel for People with Disability reviews the totality of the research investment to ensure that the needs of this population are addressed. The Expert Panel has developed criteria that focus on determining the relevance and appropriateness of research on people with disability. The criteria cover general population research and research with a specific focus on people with disability. All research that involves a general population sample should include people with disability, unless there is a justifiable reason for their exclusion. All research that has a specific focus on people with disability must provide evidence of appropriate consultation with people with disability or an advocacy group representing people with disability.

General Population Research

• The proposal clearly states that it involves a general population sample
• The inclusion of people with disability has been explicitly considered in the research design and procedures
• The exclusion of people with disability, or some people with disability, has been explicitly described and an appropriate rational provided for this exclusion
• There has been appropriate consultation with people with disability about their proposed inclusion or exclusion in the research
• The research includes an appropriate sampling technique to enable separate analysis on the data on people with disability, where this is important

Research with a Specific Focus on People with Disability

• The research topic is of importance to people with disability and evidence of this is provided
• The research team includes a person with a disability (relevant to this research) OR the research will establish an Advisory Group, which includes at least two people with disability or their advocates, if the particular group cannot be involved in this way
• The research provides a research training position for a person with disability (not essential, but desirable)
• The sampling and data collection techniques have been carefully devised to ensure that all people with disability (relevant to the proposal) can participate safely and with comfort
• The plans for dissemination include appropriate dissemination approaches to people with disability, and their advocacy organisation
• The proposal provides evidence of an understanding of contemporary, theoretical models of disability
  

The HRC defines disability research according to the social model of disability, as outlined in The New Zealand Disability Strategy (Ministry of Health, 2001). Consequently, the HRC will consider research relevant to people with disability if it focuses on ways to improve the health and wellbeing of this group of people. Research that focuses on preventing disability is seen as relevant to the general population.

Research Portfolio Strategies

The HRC's Priority Populations

The New Zealand Disability Strategy

Last Updated : 21 November 2007 13:42:55.