Creating disability-inclusive research cultures: Opportunities, challenges, and recommendations for best practices in supporting peer researchers

Peer researchers are integral to community-engaged research on disability and health disparities. Respectful inclusion of peer researchers in the research process requires awareness of challenges that may arise and appropriate methods to address them. Drawing on the literature and our experience working as, and with, peer researchers, we present opportunities, challenges, and best practices for meaningfully engaging with peer researchers with disabilities. Our discussion centers on three case studies about: (1) mitigating the emotional labor experienced by peer researchers when study topics are closely related to their lived experiences; (2) supporting peer researchers in navigating accommodation requests to enable equitable contribution to the research process; and (3) maintaining successful communication and project management when peer researchers, or others, require time away due to illness. We conclude that meaningful collaboration with peer researchers requires trauma-informed training; respectful and open communication about needs; mindful consideration, planning, and flexibility; and institutional support.