A Word from the Director

Dissemination Indicators

Dissemination is frequently discussed in very broad and general terms. Additionally, dissemination is a term that is often described and defined in different ways. These characteristics leave many listeners in dissemination-related discussions wondering how to apply what they hear.

Regardless of these problems, it is clear that dissemination is a process that has measurable "markers" or indicators associated with it. Sadly, however, the evaluation of dissemination efforts is usually treated as if it is an impossible task or so difficult and time consuming that it can't be done by mere mortals. While it is true that collecting some detailed information about specific ways in which individual users have benefitted from the application of disseminated information can be a long-term and human-intensive effort, it is not the case that meaningful dissemination- related evaluation information cannot be reasonably collected. Projects interested in strengthening their impact must evaluate the effectiveness of their dissemination strategies. Without an effective evaluation and feedback process that involves the potential users of your information, you lack sufficient information to know if dissemination achieves its intended purpose - use of the information.

There is no denying that the way in which research is conducted affects utilization. If research results are only meaningful within the context of their development, the research and development community must improve the understanding of original research contexts and support the replication of research studies to enhance the ability to generalize results. By expanding the replication of research studies, strength of the research results increase, if corroborated. Additionally, if research is conducted in a collaborative manner with the intended user groups, utilization occurs even more readily because it addresses needs of real people. The more reliable the research result and the stronger the potential user group involvement, generally, the easier utilization becomes.

Analyzing the patterns of past dissemination strategies, both individually and collectively, can assist in appraising the extent of change reflected in dissemination strategies over time, the degree of change promoted by the use of new technologies, and the nature of changes made to reach new audiences. This issue of The Research Exchange provides a snapshot of data concerning dissemination patterns demonstrated by National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) grantees in recent fiscal years and the capabilities and current dissemination trends among grantees. These measures may be helpful in serving as a "baseline" for comparing your dissemination experiences. Also in this issue, the award-winning efforts of several NIDRR-funded projects are recognized.

John D. Westbrook, Ph.D.
Director, NCDDR

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