Developing a Comprehensive Research Agenda for People With Intellectual Disability to Inform Policy Development and Reform

Gaps in policy and service systems exist for people with intellectual disability (ID). The areas of policy and services research that are required to address this situation are vast, complicated, and often interrelated. Strategically developed research agendas underpinned by a strict adherence to human rights principles can optimally inform policy and service development and reform. A framework to facilitate the conceptualization of a comprehensive and structured research agenda for ID that can underpin policy has been developed. It is informed by templates developed in mental health and health and consists of external parameters and internal domains and elements. It is overarched by human rights principles and takes into account other contextual factors including government policies and resources. The framework is applicable in a range of settings and can be used to prioritize and optimize research efforts and resources in the area of ID. The development, dissemination, and implementation of a comprehensive research agenda for ID requires the involvement of a range of key stakeholders, including consumers and carers, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers.