Impact of Physical Impairment Survey (2009-2010)

Between 2009 and 2010, 251 people with a physical impairment, between the ages of 18 and 64,  from across the country took part in a survey about what it really takes (and costs) to live an ordinary life in the community. Participants were asked to specify the types of equipment, modifications and support they use and need in their daily living. This  included shopping, housework, preparing meals, and getting ready in the morning as well as what they required to participate in social and recreational opportunities.  The research also tells us about the cost of buying these items and meeting these unmet needs and how these extra expenditures impact on people’s pocketbooks, their quality of life and and their ability to achieve an adequate standard of living.

The Impact of Physical Impairment Project was the final piece of my PhD at the University of Auckland which was completed in early 2011. This work was made possible through the  support and guidance of my advisors Philip Patston of Diversityworks, Dr Paul Brown and Dr Tim Tenbensel of the University of Auckland and the investment of all of the participants and the organisations involved in recruitment.   The research provides valuable information that can be used to better inform planning and funding decisions to improve the every day lives of disabled New Zealanders.

The results of my PhD and of this survey are currently being prepared for publication. As these results are published, links will be made available on this web site.  If you were a participant in the research and did not receive a hard copy of the results, please contact me as I may have an outdated address for you. My postal and email addresses are available in the Contact section of this site.  If you were not a participant but would like to learn more about the survey, please contact me by email for more information.

Thank you again!

This work would not have been possible without the support and valuable time given by the participants and their families. Thank you all!  I would also like to especially acknowledge and thank all of the staff at the Federation of Disability Information Centres, CCS Disability Action Centres, the organisers and contacts at the MS Society, Amputees Federation, Arthritis New Zealand, Muscular Dystrophy NZ,  Tiaho Trust, and Adaptive Snowsports – to name just a few – who supported the research and helped to spread the word throughout the community!

I would also like to acknowledge and thank the NZ Health Research Council for supporting me and this research through the Disability Research Placement Programme – PhD Scholarship.