Inclusive research with people with intellectual disabilities. Current research status analysis

Abstract

The widespread interest in inclusive research justifies the need to establish its added value and scientific merit. We analysed recent studies following the analyses by Walmsley, Strnadová, and Johnson aiming to assess the relevance of such projects from the perspective of the involved people and to assess their scientific value. We conducted a systematic analysis of studies produced between 2016 and 2021. We designed our own tools for assessing added and scientific value based on available research and commonly used criteria. The significance of inclusive research for persons with intellectual disability was confirmed. The analysed studies met the criteria for scientific validity to a varying degree. Adhering to the principles applied in the scientific community is key, considering first ethics, careful choice of the method, and activating people involved in the research.

Keywords

• inclusive research
• intellectual disability
• co-researchers
• added value