PSCDR underwent a comprehensive strategic planning review in 2010 during which four focus areas were identified:
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Establish reliable disability data
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Develop diagnostic approaches
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Foster advanced research
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Selectively drive special initiatives
The four focus areas constitute PSCDR's program focus. PSCDR is firmly convinced that it can deliver the most meaningful benefits to the disabled people of Saudi Arabia by addressing these four focus areas for the following reasons.
PSCDR is committed to, establishing reliable disability data, because available data is scarce, inconsistent, and sometimes just plain wrong. Additionally, no credible national owner has emerged to take this topic forward. PSCDR sees itself well positioned to orchestrate a collaborative, scientifically sound approach to gather, analyze, and disseminate reliable disability data. The improved disability data will lead to an improved understanding of the true impact of disability in Saudi Arabia, which will in turn lead to better decision making and better alignment between the resources invested and the needs of the disabled.
The rationale for choosing developing diagnostic approaches was the recognition that many disabilities currently remain undiagnosed in Saudi Arabia. As a result, the intervention and integration methods available are not used to address the needs of individuals with disabilities in the most effective way possible. PSCDR has therefore committed itself to making diagnostic approaches, suitable for Saudi Arabia, available for the most prevalent disability groups (currently believed to be learning disabilities and speech and language disabilities). In making these diagnostic approaches available, PSCDR will contribute to diagnose more individuals with disabilities more accurately and, as a result, help these individuals and their caregivers to make better-informed choices about which intervention and integration methods to seek and pursue. As a consequence of enabling accurate diagnoses and better choices, PSCDR ultimately expects to contribute positively to helping people with disabilities to live more productive and fulfilled lives.
Fostering advanced research is rooted in PSCDR's belief that using advanced research and cutting-edge technology is the most promising avenue for identifying how to prevent disabilities. As Saudi Arabia has a particular disability profile that includes highly disabling conditions with a severe impact on people’s lives, PSCDR further believes that Saudi-based advanced research will improve the Kingdom's diagnostic and interventional capabilities, particularly for those disabilities unique to Saudi Arabia. Given PSCDR's strong history of initiating advanced research projects and its existing funding commitments, PSCDR's leadership is convinced that the Center is well positioned to play a pivotal role in encouraging and promoting advanced research activities in Saudi Arabia. As a result of supporting advanced research activities, PSCDR expects the creation of a substantial body of widely quoted and reviewed research findings and new insights that will allow practitioners to prevent disabilities or to achieve improved diagnostic and interventional outcomes.
Selectively driving special initiatives, results from PSCDR's desire to retain a certain degree of flexibility. By allocating up to 20% of its funding to special initiatives, PSCDR provides a route to support new ideas and unforeseen yet inspiring and impactful activities.