Being an Inclusive Researcher in a National Consultation Exercise—A Case Study

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of the Inclusive Research Network (IRN), an inclusive research group founded by the Centre for Disability Studies, contributing to a National Disability Research Agenda (NDRA) setting project. IRN members with ID carried out their own consultations with disability stakeholders. This paper sets out the experiences of the IRN members in facilitating focus groups as part of phase 2 of the NDRA project. As this project took place during the COVID-19 pandemic and state lockdowns, this paper also provides a reflection on new ways of carrying out research and provides an insight into the process for other groups seeking to engage in inclusive research of this nature in a challenging and changing environment. IRN members showed great interest in being involved in the project, and their motivations aligned with the project’s objectives. Facilitating the focus groups on Zoom took some preparation and posed accessibility challenges but enabled a more diverse group of people to attend. IRN members with ID improved their online facilitation skills and confidence but concluded that they preferred working face to face. IRN members overcame the challenges presented by online focus groups, and their involvement added value to the NDRA project. Researchers are encouraged to continue practicing inclusive research in times of remote working and virtual interaction and to share their experiences for mutual learning.

Keywords

• inclusive research
• intellectual disability
• disability studies
• qualitative research
• COVID-19
• lived experience