Research About Us, With Us: An Inclusive Research Case Study.

Area of Science:

• Disability Studies
• Mental Health Research
• Participatory Research Methods

Background:

• Traditional research models often exclude individuals with disabilities.
• Inclusive research integrates lived experience with academic expertise.
• This approach aims for more accessible and meaningful outcomes for the disability community.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case study on inclusive research involving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
• To detail a research model and engagement strategies for co-researchers with IDD.
• To share lessons learned and the benefits of this collaborative approach.

Main Methods:

• Adults with IDD served as co-researchers in studies on adult intellectual disability mental health.
• The study employed a case study methodology.
• Specific engagement strategies were developed and implemented.

Main Results:

• Co-researcher involvement with IDD benefited investigators, co-researchers with IDD, and overall project outcomes.
• The contributions of research partners with IDD were significant.
• The model demonstrated enhanced accessibility, accountability, and meaningfulness of research.

Conclusions:

• Including adults with IDD as co-researchers is a valuable and effective research practice.
• The presented model can be adapted by researchers to improve their work.
• This inclusive approach fosters equitable research partnerships and outcomes.