Toward Equity in Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Disability Studies
• Health Equity

Background:

• Intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) research often lacks diversity, focusing narrowly on sample demographics and researcher backgrounds.
• The field is criticized for over-relying on dominant cultural perspectives, which can perpetuate social inequities.
• Existing research models may not adequately address the multifaceted nature of disability and identity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a new framework for IDD research that addresses systemic diversity issues.
• To shift research paradigms from deficit-based to person-centered approaches.
• To promote the inclusion of self-advocates and diverse communities as research partners.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual framework development.
• Analysis of existing IDD research practices and their limitations.
• Proposal of a systems-change approach to research implementation.

Main Results:

• The proposed framework minimizes reliance on diagnostic categories.
• It shifts focus to person-centered models and acknowledges multiple identities.
• It advocates for genuine partnership with self-advocates and diverse communities.

Conclusions:

• Current IDD research practices reinforce social inequities due to a lack of diverse perspectives.
• A paradigm shift is needed to create more equitable and inclusive research.
• Implementing this framework requires significant systems change within the research enterprise.