Reflections on How What We Say, Do, and Acknowledge as Intellectual and Developmental Disability Researchers Matters

Intellect Dev Disabil. 2024 Aug 1;62(4):247-259. doi: 10.1352/1934-9556-62.4.247.

Abstract

This article highlights reflections by the author on the importance of considering what we say, do and acknowledge in intellectual and developmental disability research. The goal is to advance thinking that can lead to personal and collective change in our approaches to truly share power and elevate the expertise of people with lived experience with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the movement for equity, inclusion, and disability justice. Implications for inclusive research, policy, and practice are discussed as is the need to engage in personal reflection and build new partnerships for collective change.

Keywords: disability justice; inclusive research; intellectual and developmental disabilities; research.

MeSH terms

  • Developmental Disabilities* / psychology
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability* / psychology
  • Research
  • Research Personnel
  • Social Justice