Doorways to NIDRR Programs

NIDRR funds projects that address programs of connected research topics. These programs address a wide variety of issues and policies relevant to the lives of Americans with disabilities and their families. NIDRR Program Doorways currently include:

• Model Spinal Cord Injury Systems (MSCIS)
• Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC)
• Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS)

Doorways to Research Topics

The information in these Doorways was developed by NIDRR-funded researchers and is intended for use by the general public, as well as disability researchers, consumers and their families. Each Doorway provides general information about the disability research topic, the results of research carried out by grantees, and links to related information. The Doorways offer text versions of publications, video samples, and audio information. Alternate text versions are available for pages with media examples. The Doorways to Research Topics that are currently available include:

• Assistive/Adaptive Technologies
• Burn Rehabilitation
• Disability and Health
• Emerging Disability
• Employment
• Transition to Post-Secondary Schooling for Students with Disabilities
• Universal Design
• Women with Disabilities

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National Institute On Disability And Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) Grantees' World Wide Web Sites

This is a listing of Universal Resource Locator (URL) links that NIDRR grantees have reported to the NCDDR. The online version provides updated links to the Web sites of current NIDRR-funded programs that have an online presence. A printed update will be available in September, 1999.

Posters For NIDRR Program Areas

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Model Spinal Cord Injury Systems (MSCIS) Projects Poster
This reference poster defines the Model Spinal Cord Injury Systems program and provides information about the principal investigator, public contact person, mailing address, telephone (voice and text telephone, if available), fax, email address for designated contact persons, and the World Wide Web address of each current NIDRR-funded MSCIS project.

Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTC) Poster
This 22X34 full-color poster provides an overview of the NIDRR's RRTC program as well as contact information listed alphabetically by project title for the 40 RRTCs NIDRR funded in 1998. (Out of Print)

Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) Projects Poster
This reference poster identifies the current traumatic brain injury model systems grantees and provides information about the principal investigator, public contact person, mailing address, telephone (voice and text telephone, if available), fax, email address for designated contact persons, and the World Wide Web address for each TBIMS project.

Press Releases

Press Release and Press Kit:
Centers of Excellence Announced
This press release provides information about NIDRR's initiation of six new Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers on Employment of People with Disabilities. The press kit provides contact and background information on the Centers, NIDRR, the need for employment research, and Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers. (November, 1998)
Press Release Available: http://www.ncddr.org/news/110498.html

Press Release and Press Kit: New Rehabilitation
Engineering Research Centers Help Reinvent
the Future for Millions of People with Disabilities
This press release provides information about NIDRR's initiation of nine new Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers. The press kit information includes background on NIDRR's RERC program and contact information for the nine new centers. (February, 1999)

Dissemination and Utilization Resources

The NCDDR has produced an array of publications and tools aimed at improving the effectiveness of dissemination and utilization strategies. Recent additions include the Guide to Substance Abuse and Disability Resources and the literature review on Disability, Diversity, and Dissemination. These resources will provide a base for expanding the NCDDR's efforts in providing information about dissemination and utilization.

Disability, Diversity, and Dissemination: A Review of the Literature on Topics Related to Increasing the Utilization of Rehabilitation Research Outcomes Among Diverse Consumer Groups
This document was prepared to help researchers better understand the interaction of disability, diversity, and dissemination. It provides a theoretical framework examining the concepts of race, ethnicity, and culture, and their influences within the rehabilitation system. It also describes the characteristics of effective ‘culturally competent' systems and the impact of attending to diversity in conducting research as well as in dissemination and utilization. A number of organizational, research, and D&U recommendations are provided. (April, 1999) http://www.ncddr.org/du/products/dddreview/index.html

The Dissemination and Utilization of Disability Research: The National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research Approach
This document discusses dissemination and access issues in effective dissemination, help for NIDRR grantees, benchmarking, and the NCDDR as a dissemination/utilization resource. (February, 1996)
http://www.ncddr.org/du/products/ncddrapproach.html

Dissemination Self-Inventory: Version One
This dissemination self-inventory is useful to organizations interested in reviewing the relative strengths and weaknesses of planned or ongoing dissemination activities. This self-administered instrument is particularly useful for program managers who may have limited time or who are beginning to implement their dissemination plans.
(April, 1997) http://www.ncddr.org/du/products/dsi/

Dissemination, Utilization, and the NCDDR
This document briefly reviews the history of the dissemination of disability research and its theoretical frameworks and how it relates to the NCDDR approaches, practices, and evaluation activities, as well as the expected implications of increased/improved dissemination and utilization.
(November, 1995) http://www.ncddr.org/du/products/ncddrdu.html

General Characteristics of Effective Dissemination and Utilization
Effective dissemination and utilization strategies are keys to conducting successful program improvement. The strategies suggested in this document are reflective of those found to be effective through both research and field-based experience.
(February, 1996) http://www.ncddr.org/du/products/characteristics.html

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Guide to Substance Abuse and Disability Resources Produced By NIDRR Grantees
This guide was developed to assist researchers, professionals, and people with disabilities to locate research-based materials relating to substance abuse and disabilities that were developed by programs funded by NIDRR.
(June, 1999) http://www.ncddr.org/du/products/saguide/

Improving the Links Between Research and Practice:
Approaches to the Effective Dissemination of Disability Research
Guide to Improving Practice, Number One
This guide discusses in user-friendly language the concept of dissemination for the purpose of knowledge utilization. (July, 1996)
http://www.ncddr.org/du/products/guide1.html

Improving the Usefulness of Disability Research: A Toolbox of Dissemination Strategies
Guide to Improving Practice, Number Two
This guide addresses, through user-friendly language, how information can be most effectively disseminated and used by target audiences. (July, 1996)
http://www.ncddr.org/du/products/guide2.html

Multiculturalism and Disability Research: A Summary of Issues And Activities
This document reports on the first meeting of the NCDDR Multicultural and Disability Research Task Force in Washington, DC on October 21, 1996. It discusses the establishment of the task force and provides a look at the current issues related to multiculturalism. It also reports the task force consensus regarding major multicultural issues and utilization of disability research. (October, 1996)

Report of Field Test Results:
Survey of Consumers with Disabilities
This document reports the field test activity conducted by NCDDR staff to identify the ways consumers (people with disabilities and their families) find disability research information that is useful to them in their daily lives. (October, 1996)

Report of NCDDR Consumer Survey
This report is the result of a survey of consumers and administrators from Centers for Independent Living (CIL) programs around the United States. The volunteers who participated in the survey represent programs in all fifty states. (November, 1997)

Report of NCDDR Stakeholder Survey
This report is the result of survey findings regarding information dissemination and utilization characteristics of disability service and policymaking stakeholder groups around the United States. The volunteers who participated in the survey represent organizations in all fifty states. The survey represents the first collection of these data at the national level. A mismatch exists in the ways disability services researchers regularly communicate information to consumers and the methods consumers prefer.
(August, 1998)

A Review of the Literature on Dissemination and Knowledge Utilization
This review is intended to provide a knowledge base that addresses how disability research results can be more easily accessed and used by those who need them. This review is useful to those conducting research and planning dissemination efforts. Elements of effective dissemination and knowledge utilization are presented as well as ways in which dissemination strategies may be planned and evaluated.
(July, 1996) http://www.ncddr.org//du/products/review/
PDF version:http://www.ncddr.org/du/products/litreview.pdf

The Research Exchange Technical Assistance Newsletter

The Research Exchange has achieved a reputation as a high quality source for information about dissemination and utilization strategies, and recognition of NIDRR grantees. This newsletter has presented information on diverse topics of concern to NIDRR grantees and users of NIDRR-funded research. Starting with V1, N2, each issue acknowledges special recognition of NIDRR grantees.

Volume 1, Number 1, Premiere Issue
This premiere issue includes an overview of the NCDDR's information and technical assistance resources, multiculturalism and dissemination, and NCDDR staff introductions. (1995)
http://www.ncddr.org/products/researchexchange/v01n01/

Volume 1, Number 2, Availability Versus Accessibility
This issue reviews the need for using alternate formats in dissemination, including: availability and accessibility; dissemination policy; choosing a format; and the NCDDR's World Wide Web site. (1996) http://www.ncddr.org/products/researchexchange/v01n02/

Volume 1, Number 3, Dissemination Patterns of NIDRR Grantees
This issue reviews the dissemination practices of NIDDR grantees. Information is included concerning dissemination patterns and grantee characteristics. (1996)
http://www.ncddr.org/products/researchexchange/v01n03/

Volume 1, Number 4, Literature Review on Dissemination and Utilization of Research Results
This issue highlights some of the information that is contained in three NCDDR publications focusing on dissemination and knowledge utilization theory, approaches, strategies, and effectiveness. The publications are: A Review of the Literature on Dissemination and Knowledge Utilization; Improving the Links between Research and Practice: Approaches to the Effective Dissemination of Disability Research, Guide to Improving Practice, Number One; and Improving the Usefulness of Disability Research: A Toolbox of Dissemination Strategies, Guide to Improving Practice, Number Two.
(1996) http://www.ncddr.org/products/researchexchange/v01n04/

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Volume 2, Number 1, Accessible Information on the World Wide Web
Articles include: General Guidelines for Improving Accessibility of World Wide Web Pages; Accessibility Design Considerations and Examples; Annotated WWW Resource List; and NIDRR Project Results Used by Special Olympics International to Evaluate Impact of Sports Program. (1997)
http://www.ncddr.org/products/researchexchange/v02n01/

Volume 2, Number 2, Dissemination Evaluation Strategies and Options
Articles include: You can Evaluate Your Dissemination Efforts; NCDDR Product - Dissemination Self Inventory; and Learning from Business and Industry - Thinking about Your WWW Site: Can It be Evaluated? (1997)
http://www.ncddr.org/products/researchexchange/v02n02/

Volume 2, Number 3, Gateways to NIDRR's Disability Research
This issue highlights the development of NIDRR program WWW doorways. The research topic are doorways under development by the NCDDR staff. Ways in which the communication power of WWW sites can be assessed is also included. (1997)
http://www.ncddr.org/products/researchexchange/v02n03/

Volume 2, Number 4, How Do Consumers Get Information They Can Use?
This issue presents data collected by the NCDDR regarding the ways in which persons with disabilities and their families prefer to receive disability research information for use. The survey process and highlights of the findings are provided. (1997)
http://www.ncddr.org/products/researchexchange/v02n04/

Volume 3, Number 1, Common Characteristics of NIDRR Grantees' Websites
This issue presents information on the common characteristics of NIDRR grantees' Web sites. Also presented are the trends in the dissemination patterns of NIDRR grantees as reported in the NIDRR Compendium of Products of NIDRR Grantees 1993-1996. (1998)
http://www.ncddr.org/products/researchexchange/v03n01/

Volume 3, Number 2, How Do Stakeholders Find and Disseminate Information?
This issue presents the results of the NCDDR's survey of stakeholder groups to learn more about how they obtain and disseminate information. Representatives of rehabilitation researchers, service providers, supporters, and policymakers/information sources participated in the survey. (1998)
http://www.ncddr.org/products/researchexchange/v03n02/

Volume 3, Number 3, Who Needs Web Site Accessibility?
This issue provides helpful information and resources that can guide the user in making their Web site more accessible. An updated "Annotated WWW Resource List" is presented, as well as a new review of NIDRR Grantees' Web sites. (1998)
http://www.ncddr.org/products/researchexchange/v03n03/

Volume 3, Number 4, Special Employment Issue
This special issueprovides a look at the employment issues currently being faced by Americans with disabilities, NIDRR's new initiative addressing employment-related issues, and the Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers funded to improve employment outcomes for persons with disabilities. (1998)
http://www.ncddr.org/products/researchexchange/v03n04/

Volume 4, Number 1, Disability, Diversity and Dissemination: A Review of the Literature, Part 1 - Theoretical Framework
This issue, Part 1of a review of literature presented in the NCDDR document Disability, Diversity, and Dissemination: A Review of the Literature on Topics Related to Increasing the Utilization of Rehabilitation Research Outcomes Among Diverse Consumer Groups, provides a theoretical framework for examining the concepts of race, ethnicity, and culture, and their influences within the rehabilitation system. It also includes descriptions of "mainstream" and "ethnic" cultures in the United States. (1999)
http://www.ncddr.org/products/researchexchange/v04n01/

Volume 4, Number 2, Disability, Diversity and Dissemination: A Review of the Literature, Part 2 - Applying the Concepts to Research and D&U
This issue, Part 2 of a review of literature, focuses on the characteristics of effective systems and how to build relationships within ‘culturally competent' organizations. The concepts about culture and diversity that were presented in Part 1 (Vol. 4, No. 1) are related to issues in conducting research and issues in dissemination and utilization. The conclusion offers organizational, research, and D&U recommendations. (1999)
http://www.ncddr.org/products/researchexchange/v04n02/

Volume 4, Number 3, Disseminating Research Information in the Disability, Mainstream, and Professional Media
Articles on disability research and the media, developing media relations, and publishing in journals are presented with NIDRR grantees in mind. Issues associated with Internet publishing are discussed for authors who may be interested in both online and journal publishing. (1999)
http://www.ncddr.org/products/researchexchange/v04n03/

Volume 4, Number 4, Grantee Survey and Web Site Update
This is the final issue of The Research Exchange in NCDDR's pilot phase. It presents the results of a follow-up survey of NIDRR grantees, including comparisons with data from previous surveys. An update of NIDRR grantees' Web sites is presented, as well as a description of NCDDR products developed over the pilot project period. (1999)
http://www.ncddr.org/products/researchexchange/v04n04/

About the NCDDR

The NCDDR provides two brochures free of charge to NIDRR grantees and stakeholders interested in the NCDDR's technical assistance services. The brochures contain information about the resources and services available through the NCDDR to improve dissemination and utilization strategies.

Shaping Excellence Through Research
This general brochure describes the way NCDDR works with NIDRR grantees and stakeholders in disability research to expose the barriers to effective dissemination and search for ways to overcome them. It also includes information about technical assistance and training, NCDDR publications, serving underserved groups, and the NCDDR World Wide Web site. (April, 1996) http://www.ncddr.org/about/

Technical Assistance Resources
This booklet outlines the technical assistance and training opportunities, both on- and off-site, consultation services, and resources offered by the NCDDR. It also offers a postage paid reply card in addition to other ways to contact the NCDDR to request services. (May, 1996)
http://www.ncddr.org/du/techresrc/tabrochure.html

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