Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network has engaged the Lehigh Valley Research Consortium to conduct a new online survey to identify the unmet needs of persons with disabilities in the Lehigh Valley.

The 2015 Disability Community Needs Assessment will gather input from adults with disabilities or caregivers of children and people incapable of responding for themselves.

Findings from this study will be shared with service providers and the community in a public report designed to inform the work of all organizations that provide services for people with disabilities in the Lehigh Valley.

"The survey is a tool to help us continue learning from those we serve about what they need to live fuller, more productive and satisfying lives in the Lehigh Valley," said Cynthia Lambert, vice president, government and community relations at Good Shepherd. "We expect the responses will help us answer questions, such as: Are we and others in the community still providing the right programs and services? Are there new ways to address ongoing needs? Are there emerging needs that require our attention? With answers to these important questions, we can work with the disability community to make meaningful changes."

Adults living with physical, mental, sensory, cognitive and-or intellectual/ development disabilities who live in Lehigh or Northampton counties or caregivers of children and people incapable of responding for themselves are encouraged to take the survey.

Participation in the survey is voluntary and all responses are anonymous.

The survey is available in English and Spanish and accommodations will be provided for people with visual impairments. Participants can enter a drawing at the end of the survey. Five participants will be randomly selected to win $100 Amazon gift cards when the research is complete later this year.

The survey is available at lvdisability.questionpro. com through August 2015.

For assistance completing the survey or to ask questions about the research project, contact Dr. Lanethea Mathews-Schultz, Muhlenberg College, mathews@muhlenberg.edu 484-664-3737; Cynthia Lambert, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, clambert@gsrh. org, 610-776-3323; or Dr. Stefanie Sinno, Chair of the Institutional Review Board at Muhlenberg College, ssinno@muhlenberg.edu, 484-664-3425.