Research
The Canadian Centre on Disability Studies (CCDS) frames its research within the Social Model of disability, which proposes that barriers, prejudice and exclusion by society (purposely or inadvertently) are the ultimate factors defining who is disabled and who is not in a particular society.
The model recognizes that while some people have physical, intellectual, or psychological differences, these do not have to lead to disability unless society fails to accommodate and include them in the way it would those who do not experience impairments. Thus, disability is socially created. In this view, the focus is on changing the environment, and not on changing the individual to suit the environment. The National Union of Women with Disabilities in Uganda (NUWODU) also recognizes and promotes the social model, and emphasizes the Human Rights approach to disability and development work.
Both the Social Model of Disability and the Human Rights approach developed in response to more traditional medical or charitable views of persons with disabilities. “During the history of humanity it has been a prevailing way of thinking, that disabled persons were objects of protection rather than claim-holding human beings. They were offered treatment and assistance while, simultaneously, the decisions over their lives and enjoyment of their rights were done by someone else” (Katsui 2007 p.4). It is generally agreed by disability and development scholars that a human rights-based approach is necessary in order to address the needs of PWDs around the world: “A human rights-based approach…seeks to analyze inequalities which lie at the heart of development problems and redress discriminatory practices and unjust distributions of power that impede the development process (OHCHR, 2006)” (Kumpukuori (2009) p. 14).
Based on these models (Social and Human Rights), the research component of the project will focus on gathering research data pertaining to the lived experiences of persons with disabilities, as a result of how they can or cannot engage in their environment (ie, on the basis of social exclusion). This is known as a “participation measure” of disability, and is based on a continuum of access versus restrictions to participation. This is the model used by the World Health Organization in their global measurements of disability, and is also followed by a number of countries when conducting national surveys, such as Statistics Canada’s Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS).
Disability Studies, as a field of study, emphasizes the necessity of meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in all stages of research, including the design, planning, implementation and dissemination of results. Work within this discipline is presumed to include an element of Participatory Research, and where possible, an Emancipatory Research design.
The work of the Research Program is guided by the Research Committee, which sets the overall direction of CCDS’ research activities. The committee provides support and direction to the CCDS research staff, and oversees CCDS’ Small Grants Program.
Four current research priorities that CCDS are focusing on are:
- Aging and disability (aging with a disability and aging into disability)
- Research related to issues of concern to Aboriginal persons with disabilities
- Youth and disability
- Visitability
Featured Research Project
CCDS’ Livable and Inclusive Communities Project
Follow the links below for more information about CCDS’ Research Program:
CCDS Small Grants Program
Current Activities
Completed Activities
