Using participatory rural appraisal (PRA) in the identification of children with disabilities in rural Kilifi, Kenya

Joseph Gona

qualifications: MSc

position: Development assessor/researcher

Sally Hartley

qualifications: PhD

position: Senior research fellow

United Kingdom

My research activity to date has sort to provide evidence about the rehabilitation strategy recommended by the WHO (community-based rehabilitation CBR) for 'Majority World' countries. This has involved promoting participatory strategies to increase validity and has targeted improved quality of life as the desired intervention outcome. Particular focus has been given to children with communication disabilities who form around 50% of the disabled population worldwide. Generally I am interested in research that provides evidence about the efficacy of rehabilitation interventions and at the same time increases our understanding of the processes involved. To this end I am keen to explore the use of the International Classifications of functioning and disability (ICF) (WHO 2001) as an analytical tool by which processes and outcomes can be understood and communicated between professional groups. I am also interested in promoting and evaluating user participation to maximize the validity of interventions. Future research will involve exploring the effect of communication breakdown on health and well-being and its impact on the service user/provider interface.

Charles Newton

qualifications: MD

position: Research fellow