Identifying disability: comparing house-to-house survey and rapid rural appraisal

This study compared house-to-house survey and rapid rural appraisal as methods used to identify people with disabilities in a sample rural population in South India. The research showed that by using these methods, two distinctly different populations were identified. The factors that influenced the identification processes were: local perceptions and definitions of disability; social dynamics, particularly those of gender and age; relationships within the rapid rural appraisal groups and between the health auxiliary and the respondents in the house-to-house survey; and the type of disability and the associated social implications and stigma of that disability. While a few more people were identified through the house-to-house survey, the rapid rural appraisal was a better approach for identifying disability in the community because of the greater community participation. The researchers believe that this community participation provided a greater understanding of the complex contextual dynamics influencing the identification of disability, thereby increasing the validity of the study findings. Another advantage of the rapid rural appraisal was the methodological and analytical simplicity. Both methods, however, failed to identify some individuals with disabilities who were later identified on the follow-up verification visits. Taking into account the factors discussed above, the researchers conclude that no single method could be used to comprehensively identify people with disability in a community. They suggest that a judicious combination of methods which takes into account local perceptions and priorities, includes more specific screening techniques, and facilitates informed voluntary referrals, would be the most effective approach.