A Case Study Unveiling Challenges And Supports For Deafblind And Neurodivergent Researchers And Participants

Abstract

Significant gaps persist in the literature about the participatory experiences of Deafblind and neurodivergent researchers in the conducting of disability studies. Research is therefore needed to gain a better understanding about the academic and broader life experiences of these scholars. Aiming to contribute to this understanding, and how these lived experiences of disability might inform socially just and inclusive co-produced qualitative research, we have conducted a descriptive case study. Undertaking dual roles as researchers and study participants, the authors interviewed each other and applied thematic analysis to identify themes, and cross case analysis to reveal theme commonalities and differences across nine domains. These domains are: a) impairment history; b) important milestones in life with disability; c) research journeys; d) methodological challenges; e) involvement in research as participants; f) scholar activism; g) multiple roles and identities; h) experiences with ableism; and i) Covid experiences. Our co-produced qualitative research demonstrates how diverse disability and impairment types with different needs can be consistently ‘matched’ with accessibility provisions allowing inclusionary knowledge building dialogue and practice to take place.