Empowerment of Youth With Intellectual Disabilities Through Inclusive Research in Africa

Despite growing global interest in participatory research, the practice of including persons with intellectual disabilities as co-researchers remains largely underexplored within the African context. This paper reflects on the methodological processes of implementing inclusive research with youth with intellectual disabilities, including the lessons learned during this process.

Youth with intellectual disabilities were recruited and trained as co-researchers to conduct interviews as part of a pilot study for the qualitative evaluation of the Special Olympics Healthy Communities Programme in South Africa. The core team consisted of four co-researchers and three university researchers.

The reflections and lessons learned from the research team demonstrated that conducting inclusive research with youth with intellectual disabilities is beneficial to all involved. It is achievable and speaks to the reciprocity of equity, inclusion, empowerment and social justice.