Togetherness, teamwork and challenges: “Reflections on building an inclusive research network”

Accessible Summary This article is about the Inclusive Research Network run by the Centre for Disability Studies. It outlines our progress made towards an inclusive research network since 2010. It highlights “inclusive research” from the view of people in our network. It answers the questions “what is inclusive research?” and “what makes research inclusive?” It compares the process of research undertaken by our network against Johnson and Walmsley ([Johnson, K., 2003]). Three themes were an important part of inclusive research: togetherness, teamwork and challenges It notes that “togetherness” is missing from Johnson and Walmsley principles of “inclusive research.”Abstract Background This article presents a case study of the Centre for Disability Studies’ Inclusive Research Network. The network is a dynamic group of around fifteen people who have intellectual and other disabilities, support workers and university researchers. Methods The study was based upon an evaluation of the group's research practice, as demonstrated by their work together over the last 7 years. Network members created focus groups to outline the process of their research. These reflections formed the basis of a presentation video recorded for the 50th anniversary of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities conference. The video outlined the groups’ understanding of “inclusive research.” A transcript of the script was used to analyse and reflect upon the group's processes. Thus, this article outlines inclusive research from the perspective of network members, evaluated against the founding principles of inclusive research presented in Johnson and Walmsley ([Johnson, K., 2003])'s well‐known volume. Results The network member's answers show consistency with these principles developed by Johnson and Walmsley. Themes identified were the need for “teamwork” and “challenges” in following these principles. Conclusion In defining what inclusive research is and what makes research “inclusive,” the answers highlight the relational dynamics between the team members, and need to continually work on “togetherness.” The affective connection between researchers is to them a highly significant part of what is considered successful inclusive research, particularly for coresearchers with intellectual disabilities. This article suggests the affective dimension may be undervalued in the current literature.