Using Participatory Action Research to Examine Outcomes and Effect Systems Change in Assistive Technology Financing

Abstract

A participatory action research study was conducted to develop a shared, Web-based system for documenting outcomes of the national Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program. Key stakeholders, including alternative financing state programs, consumers with disabilities, financial lending organizations, and federal/state policy and funding representatives, actively participated in identifying items, and in creating, using and refining the system. The processes and variety of in-person and remote PAR methods used to gain the perspectives of stakeholders and share ownership of the outcomes are described, including lessons learned. Additionally, examples of the Web-based data collection and outcome reporting system are highlighted, in conjunction with unanticipated outcomes, such as the use of results and online reports to effect social action change in assistive technology financing systems and policies at the state and national levels.

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