AAIDD 2008 Abstract

Participatory Action Research with Disabled Adults: Advancing Scientifically Sound, Socially Relevant, Ethical Research

To address negative attitudes towards individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), promote self-determination, and increase positive development, scientists have been called to embrace new research strategies. Participatory action research (PAR), which brings researchers and individuals with IDD into partnership, encourages science that recognizes the contribution of individuals with IDDs, focuses on issues of importance to individuals with IDDs, and better positions those individuals to improve their lives. Here, we discuss how principles of PAR foster scientifically sound, socially relevant, ethical research aimed at promoting positive social change. We will provide examples from an autistic-academic researcher partnership, the Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE).