Participatory video: toward a method, advocacy and voice (MAV) framework

Abstract

Using the new conceptual framework of participatory visual media as method, advocacy and voice (MAV), the author explores an action research study using an exemplar in which advocates from the disability community created and distributed a series of videos about love and sexuality as a critical human rights issue in the disability community. The author proposes that conceptualizing these three areas as overlapping, rather than being mutually exclusive, offers an integrated way of understanding collaborative media practices that are community-based and action-oriented. Methodological, practical and ethical considerations are also addressed regarding collaborative-based research that involves public distribution.

Keywords:

• participatory video
• critical theory
• Freirean pedagogy
• disability studies
• human rights
• sexuality

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank Dr. Darren Lund for his thoughtful feedback and support. This research was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.