Diverse faces of inclusive research: reflecting on three research studies

Abstract

Inclusive research has become an increasing focus of research with people with disabilities, particularly people with intellectual disabilities. In this paper the authors argue that this generalized term covers a range of different approaches to including people with intellectual disabilities in research. Based on three case studies in which the authors were academic researchers the paper explores different approaches to inclusive research, raises questions about the place of inclusive research in relation to advocacy and academic research and explores some of the benefits and challenges of inclusive research with people with learning disabilities.

Keywords:

• intellectual disabilities
• inclusive research
• advocacy

Notes

1. Different terms and definitions relate to people with cognitive impairments, including intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities and learning difficulties. The three inclusive research studies presented in this article were conducted in different countries – Australia, Ireland and UK – in which different terminology is used. People with this disability themselves use the term intellectual disability in Ireland and in Australia, while in the UK the preferred terms used by people with intellectual disabilities are people with learning difficulties or learning disabilities. Given the cross-cultural nature of this manuscript, the authors decided to use the term people with intellectual disabilities. However we remain troubled by the differences in terminology.

2. The terms ‘learning disabilities’ and ‘intellectual disabilities’ are interchangeable.