A personal commentary about disability inclusion, and representation in research

This paper is a personal commentary about disability inclusion and representation in research that was based on remarks given in person at the Future of AAC Research Summit on May 13, 2024. Drawing upon her experiences as a Paralympic medalist, disabled woman, person of color, researcher, and activist, the author describes the critical need for (1) diverse researchers as the generators of the science; (2) diverse individuals as study participants; and (3) diverse representation in the knowledge translation materials we produce and disseminate about the research. We need all of these, and we are stronger for them. Our science is better with this intentionality; it makes people feel seen by the research we are doing and signals its relevancy.