The Researched Opinions on Research: Disabled people and disability research

Thirty-five disabled people with a range of physical, sensory and mental were interviewed about (1) their experiences of research; (2) their general concerning research; (3) whether they thought research had served/was serving people well; (4) how research on disability should be conducted; (5) who should research on disability; and, finally, (6) what they would like to be researched. In paper, the results of aspects two to five are reported. It was found that the opinions of people mirror quite strongly the recent arguments forwarded by disabled academics the need for emancipatory and empowering research strategies. In particular, the articulated a need for inclusive, action-based research strategies, where disabled are involved as consultants and partners not just as research subjects, There were few , however, for an exclusive approach, where disability research would be conducted by researchers who were themselves disabled.