Methodological Approaches to Researching Organisations of Persons with Disabilities: a Case Study from Uttarakhand, North India

Purpose: Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) are promoted to encourage the inclusion of persons with disabilities in development programmes.  However, there is little peer-reviewed literature on the effectiveness of OPDs in low and middle-income countries. This Case Study in Uttarakhand State of North India, aimed to explore the methodological approaches used to understand and evaluate the formation and function of OPDs. Method: The Nossal Institute of Global Health, Australia, partnered with the Uttarakhand Cluster (an NGO in India) to facilitate the development of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities. Five research studies were undertaken between 2014 and 2018 to understand their formation and function. The current Case Study has focused on these 5 studies, examined the qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches that were used in each study, summarised their findings, and analysed the advantages and limitations of the methodologies used in the context of the formation and function of OPDs. Results: The methodologies used included: Thematic analysis; Realist Evaluation; Participatory Action Research using Videovoice; Social Network Analysis; and a Cluster Randomised Trial. By examining the 5 selected studies, rather than drawing conclusions from any individual methodology, this Case Study derived a better understanding of OPDs in Uttarakhand. OPDs were seen to have had positive impacts across a variety of domains. Conclusion and Implications: The Case Study showed the value of multiple and mixed methods approaches to study complex phenomena such as the formation and function of OPDs. It helped in understanding the mechanisms for OPD impact.