Participatory data analysis alongside co-researchers who have Down syndrome

There is comparatively little published research that transparently charts the contribution of people with an intellectual disability to a collaborative research process. This paper illustrates the process of data analysis in a project located within the Emancipatory Disability Research (EDR) paradigm.

Textual data was made available from a participatory action research project involving young people who have Down syndrome. A university based researcher analysed a portion of the data set using thematic networks with the participation of co-researchers in iterative cycles of reflexivity.

The participation of the co-researchers is demonstrated and a global theme, deduced from the collaborative analysis, is described.

Authentic participation of co-researchers in the data analysis stage of the research process is an example of 'inclusive research' and assures adherence to the principles of EDR in informing the theory and practice of social inclusion for young adults with an intellectual disability.

There are not many research projects which include people with an intellectual disability in data analysis. This paper tells the story of how a small group of people with Down syndrome called co-researchers, joined in analysing data from their peers in a research project.

The co-researchers worked in a group. They took some copies of typed up interviews, underlined words and made notes on parts of the interview they found interesting and important.

Through their work, the co-researchers found that being involved with other people and having friends is important but can be hard sometimes.

This work is important as it shows the abilities of some people with Down syndrome in data analysis work. The co-researchers were included in research that is about themselves and other people with intellectual disabilities.