Lehigh Valley Disability Study:

Please check back in early January 2009 to complete the survey.
For questions about the survey contact Lanethea Mathews-Gardner at (484)664-3737 or mathews@muhlenberg.edu

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, headquartered in Allentown but operating in 8 eastern PA counties, has commissioned the LVRC to conduct a disability needs assessment that aims to understand how to make the Lehigh Valley more disability friendly. Working collaboratively with organizations that serve the community of persons with disabilities, their families and care givers, Good Shepherd is hopeful that its leadership of the needs assessment will serve as a spring-board for building a network of community partners. This collaboration will create and implement plans designed to successfully address unmet needs that prevent full inclusion of persons with disabilities in everyday life. The long-term economic impact of these changes could be tied to things such as increased commerce and tourism, more affordable and accessible housing, and work force development.

Celebrating 100 years, Good Shepherd is recognized by rehabilitation facilities throughout the country as a leader in the use of assistive and rehabilitative technology. They are leading the way in the provision of lifestyle products and services, working with high-tech businesses and research & development entities to refine assistive and rehabilitation technologies, and have recently embarked on a joint venture with the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) to provide all of their post acute health care services.

The Lehigh Valley Disability Study will survey persons with disabilities and their caregivers, and key community agencies and advocates working on behalf of the disabled population. The project will also include a number of community-wide focus groups. The research team is led by Lanethea Mathews-Gardner (Political Science, Muhlenberg College) and Barbara Moyer (Nursing and Health, DeSales University), and includes Sue McGorry (Business, DeSales University), Stefanie Sinno (Pscyhology, Muhlenberg College), Mary Ellen Miller (Nursing, DeSales), and Daniel Wilson (History, Muhlenberg College).

If you or someone you know is disabled and is interested in participating in the project, please contact Lanethea Mathews-Gardner at mathews@muhlenberg.edu, or 484-664-3737.