title: NIDRR plans for the future.
abstract: For over 5 years now, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) has not had a well-defined, written long-range plan.  A new plan is needed to establish a research agenda for NIDRR.  This article outlines steps taken in the development of the long-range plan.  As well, it describes outcome areas, goals, and objectives underlying the plan's overall focus:  empowering persons with disabilities to achieve maximum freedom and independence. Dissemination connects research and empowerment.  The use of disseminated knowledge is a key factor in the long-range plan's elements.  NIDRR and its grantees employ four basic dissemination strategies:  spread, choice, exchange, and implementation.  These strategies, with examples of their application, are briefly discussed.  The article also defines "participatory research," a practice in which those who will benefit from the research are deeply involved throughout the process. As well, the article defines participatory research's importance in the long-range plan.
authors.affiliation: Department of Counselor Education and Educational Psychology, Mississippi State University.
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Graves
mesh_terms: D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005544:Forecasting; D006077:Government Agencies; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services / Q000639:trends; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010358:Patient Participation; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000639:trends*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States