8.2.1 Gathering information
Access to information is essential when involved in politics. The internet provides an almost unlimited range of information. However, although the internet usage is becoming ever more widespread, the internet is still not accessible everywhere.
Besides the internet, other sources of information include:
- printed documents: books, journals, magazines and newspapers
- audio and visual media: radio, TV, videos, etc.
- governmental institutions/ministries
- universities and other research institutions
- NGOs
- public information centres (e.g. of the World Bank, of ministries, etc.).
The media represents a key source, as the different forms of media outlined above not only provide information, but should also reflect the opinions of different persons, parties and organisations. However, before citing or using any information, it should be checked for reliability, as the data gathering methodology used greatly influences the final result.
The importance of data
Figures are an excellent basis for discussion, but only if they are reliable. The aim of any data collection on disability or other issues is to describe a real situation and to find ways which could change this situation. If one has detailed facts about a situation, the planning becomes easier. For example, if it is definitely known that 100 children in a region have a hearing impairment, it is relatively easy to calculate how many sign language teachers are required and thus how much will be needed for salaries.
Data also help to compare situations. For example, if there are reliable data on the percentage of unemployed people with disabilities in both 1995 and 2005, it is easier to assess whether the employment policy introduced in the meantime was effective or not.
It takes both time and financial resources to produce quality data, so, there is the risk that data collection may not be one of the main priorities.
At the same time, asking officials for more and better data on disability issues can be an important topic for your advocacy activities.
Statistics on disability
When gathering information for lobbying on PRS and disability, you will probably concentrate on disability statistics. Typically the number of persons with disabilities living in one country or region varies widely, for any one of the following reasons:
- The situation could really differ from one area to the next. The disability prevalence in developing countries is lower because child mortality is very high for children with disabilities in these countries, for example.
- Definitions on disability vary.
- The data could measure different issues, for example impairment or disability.
- Measuring methods can also differ. Some countries conduct special disability surveys, while in other cases disability statistics are a part of general household surveys or the national census. The questionnaires used to establish whether or not someone is disabled can greatly vary.
