Dissemination and knowledge translation

Each research project has its own dissemination activities. To learn more about those, visit the project pages.

Also, several news articles have detailed MICL projects, which can be accessed at News & Press Releases.

Our State-of-the-Science conference, held in October 2010, disseminated Center findings to more than 150 attendees. We we continue to work with researchers, policymakers, independent living practitioners, disability advocates, and people with disabilities to translate the results of MICL projects to programs, policies and practices that will enhance community participation.

In addition, the Get.RIIL On-line Database is an accessible, efficient tool that provides uniform access to disability research information. A RIIL summary provides key study elements — background information, research design, research participant characteristics, findings, conclusions, implications, and author/organization contact information — in a consistent, easy-to-read format along with research definitions. Context is indicated (e.g., how the study relates to others) along with study implications and possible uses. For reading ease, uncommon words are defined, acronyms are avoided, and analogies and stories are incorporated if available as illustration points. Publications summarized focus on community participation and use by RTC researchers in their project design. As of June 2007, 55 summaries related to community participation have been entered into the RIIL database, which makes a total of 2,306 summaries on independent living research and practices. Defining “participation” in regards to community participation of people with disabilities has been difficult. Should it be broadly defined and the employment, housing, health, recreation, etc. of people with disabilities? Or should it be more restrictive? Ultimately, the grant research project topics serve as a guide for research translation choices.