Sharing Research Information with the Disability Media

Following the distribution of a press release and press kit, in early 1999 the NCDDR contacted several publications that commonly feature a variety of disability issues and lifestyles. The purpose was to 1) learn how they would prefer disability research information be submitted to them, and 2) what kinds of research information would be most relevant for their publication.

Seven publications were contacted by electronic mail, including: Ability, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), En•a•ble (no longer published), New Mobility, Quest, Ragged Edge, and WE magazine.

In responding to the first item, four of the magazines indicated that they prefer that researchers submit a press release. Similarly, four of the magazines indicated that press releases should be submitted using email. Only one (Ability) indicated a preference for a pre-written story. None of these magazines want researchers to contact their staff directly.

The second item asked respondents to identify the most relevant types of disability research information, including:

1. ADA or policy research,
2. Employment strategies,
3. Disability statistics,
4. Independent living research,
5. Adaptive equipment research,
6. Universal design research,
7. Mental health research,
8. Mental retardation research,
9. Medical rehabilitation research, and
10. All areas

Six of the magazines indicated "All areas." One identified ADA or policy research, employment strategies, disability statistics, adaptive equipment research, and universal design research as most relevant.

All but three respondents indicated priorities among the information categories. The research areas with the highest priorities were ADA or policy, universal design, adaptive equipment, and employment strategies. Lowest priorities identified were mental retardation, mental health, and independent living research. (Questionnaire data available from the NCDDR upon request.)

These responses from disability media representatives indicate a receptiveness to disability research information on a variety of topics. For the most part, researchers should feel comfortable in developing content directed at a specific publication. The target publication should be thoroughly reviewed and the researcher should determine whether their research information is immediately relevant to the publication's audience and potentially interesting to its readers.

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