Bridging the gap between knowledge and justice: Epistemic challenges in participatory disability research

This article examines participatory disability research through the lens of epistemic justice, drawing (among others) on Miranda Fricker’s concepts of testimonial and hermeneutic injustice. It highlights how participatory approaches empower marginalised groups, particularly people with disabilities, to overcome exclusion from knowledge production. The article emphasises the challenges of achieving epistemic justice, especially for individuals with cognitive impairments, and advocates for epistemic humility and collaborative, inclusive research practices. By addressing these issues, participatory disability research serves as both a critique and a corrective to traditional knowledge production, fostering more equitable and transformative outcomes.