The practical wisdom of inclusive research

Abstract

The concept of inclusive research epitomizes the transformation away from research on people, to research with them. Applied particularly, but not exclusively, in the field of learning disabilities, the concept encapsulates the drive to involve people in the design and conduct of research about them, reach and represent their lived experience, respect them and value different ways of knowing. This article discusses some of the challenges that UK inclusive researchers have shared in focus groups aimed at taking stock of this transformative movement and it shares how a local UK research collaboration between academics and people with learning disabilities has addressed some of these challenges. Inclusive research methods of generating and analysing data are examined within the broader context of how research projects and partnerships are enacted. The article concludes that doing research inclusively is gradually transforming through collective practical wisdom and praxis.

Building collaboration in the co‐production of knowledge with people with intellectual disabilities about their everyday use of city space

“…Disabling assumptions lead to denial of opportunities and spaces to participate and contribute to academic and public debates and conversations about “intellectual disability” and the lives of people so labelled (Fudge Schormans & Chambon, ). Inclusive research strategies facilitate co‐production of knowledge with people labelled/with intellectual disabilities (Nind, ). Starting from “how the world positions who you are” (Edwards & Brannelly, , p. 274), inclusive research is a political, rights‐based approach that actively involves people labelled/with intellectual disabilities in research about issues, policies and practices that impact their lives.…”

Value, vulnerability and voice: An integrative review on research assent

“…Assent serves more of a moral obligation to respect the preferences of potential participants (Nind, ). Ideally, assent should share all the same elements as informed consent provided in a manner suitable to the cognitive levels and communication preferences of the potentially vulnerable group.…”

9. Samproduksjon av kunnskap i forskning: noenforskningsetiske refleksjoner

“…Felles for internasjonale og nasjonale juridiske og etiske reguleringer av forskningen er at samproduksjon i liten grad er tatt inn i disse. I flere år har forskere arbeidet i stadig nye og mer forpliktende samarbeidsformer med personer som ikke er forskere av utdanning og yrke (Nind, 2016). Forskningsetikken har imidlertid foreløpig i liten grad diskutert etablerte forskningsetiske normer og prinsipper i lys av inkluderende forskningsmetoder.…”