DBTAC Coordination, Outreach and Research Center
In 2006, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research sought to further strengthen the Disability Business Technical Assistance Centers network by infusing the principles of evidence-based practice and knowledge translation. All DBTACs were asked to expand their core activities beyond technical assistance and strict Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and to include programs in the conduct and utilization of research.
To facilitate this transition, NIDRR developed a DBTAC Coordination, Outreach and Research Center at Virginia Commonwealth University. With an emphasis on communities of practice and demand-side job placement, the CORC exists to discover constructive ways for businesses to replicate best practices regarding employment and public access. By extension, the natural consequences of positive ADA implementation will result. For example, it is well known “best practices” in employment for persons with disabilities include expanded diversity programs that include Americans with disabilities, and manifest commitment from senior managers.
The following are representative objectives of the DBTAC CORC project at VCU:
- Create a definitive ADA Web site, known as the DBTAC-Information Network, which will include a compendium of DBTAC materials, databases, publications, products, tools and activities.
- Create a CORC Research Review Board to coordinate, support and review new evidence-based products and publications – including original CORC research – and assess their effectiveness and impact on policy and practice.
- Increase the research capacity of regional DBTACs network to conduct and utilize quality research by modeling such behavior and by providing direct and meaningful consultation to regional DBTACs to facilitate their success.
- Coordinate dissemination of regional DBTAC and CORC publications and products in concert with appropriate NIDRR research and dissemination centers.
In addition, the CORC’s plan of operation includes 19 original research studies, 18 training activities, nine dissemination projects, 12 technical assistance projects and program evaluation. CORC’s own research emphasizes employment and is rooted in the National EEOC ADA Research Project that began in 2003. The CORC’s premise is that employment is the most effective route to fuller participation and integration in all areas addressed by the ADA. CORC shares the vision of NIDRR that every American deserves an opportunity for competitive employment.
The state of the science in disability and employment research is sufficiently developed to move us dramatically toward this goal. The national network of DBTACs can play a prominent role in achieving it.
For additional information about the DBTAC CORC, contact:
Brian T. McMahon
Principal investigator
DBTAC CORC at VCU
P.O. Box 980330
Richmond, Virginia 23298
btmcmaho@vcu.edu
