Projects

Data Sharing Project

Background

The survey 'Disability in the East of England – an overview of structures and demands' (September 2004) identified the need for a regional information network, with IT as the vital component. With assistance from the London Metropolitan University, we will soon be providing access to disability information for the whole of the Eastern Region through our regional, web-based database.

Aims

The initial aim of the regional database is that it 'links' the unique local data kept by the Disability East members. This allows members to view data held by partner organisations as well as assisting and encouraging each other to keep information up to date. However, each member will retain independence and overall control of their local database.

The ultimate aim is to make the regional database publicly accessible through this website; offering an efficient and high quality information service for the disabled community in the East of England.

Progress

At present work is in progress to install the newly developed regional database software at the local offices of the Disability East members. After installation, each organisation conducts a so-called ‘User Acceptance Test’: testing and evaluating the performance of the database. At regional database meetings users give feedback to the Software Programmer, who in turn will proceed with amending and updating the database software. The next step will be to conduct another User Acceptance Test of the revised software.

We aim to have the regional database accessible online by the end of 2007.