Case studies: how would you measure disability in this scenario

In this step, we will return to the case studies introduced in week 1, to enhance our understanding of measurement of disability.

Case study 1: Zeenath, Maldives

This study, aiming to investigate the impact of the disability allowance on the lives of beneficiaries, is being conducted on a national scale in the Maldives. Zeenath has decided that she wants to do a large population-based survey to answer this question. Data collectors will go house to house, visiting research participants in their homes.

Case study 2: Bule Pakoa, Vanuatu

This study, aiming to understand access to WASH for people in Vanuatu, will be conducted in three of the 83 islands of Vanuatu. Bule Pakoa has decided that research participants will be visited in their homes to collect data for this study.

Case study 3: Wakisa, Malawi

This research project aims to understand children’s experiences with violence and access to available social protection mechanisms. Wakisa has decided to visit research participants in their homes to collect data for this study.

Case study 4: Aparna, Bangladesh

This study in Bangladesh, aims to understand how people with disabilities are experiencing the Covid-19 pandemic, and how the government response can better meet the needs of people with disabilities. Aparna has concerns about not being able to visit people in their homes due to the risk of possible exposure to the virus – both participants possibly transmitting Covid-19 to the research team, and data collectors transmitting to the research participants. She is considering other ways to reach participants – such as via the phone or internet.

Discussion

For each case study, consider

• How would you measure disability in each of these case studies?

• What are the requirements (human, technical)?