Participatory research

In this step, you will hear from Veronika Reichenberger about the importance of participatory methods in disability research. Veronika is a Research Assistant at the International Centre for Evidence in Disability, and prior to joining LSHTM worked as a visual anthropologist.

As Veronika describes, participatory research is an approach which seeks to reduce the power differentials, and to recognise the lived experience of lay people. This approach means that both researchers and participants work as co-researchers. Again, we hear the motto “Nothing About Us, Without Us” which is essential to consider when working in disability research.

Discussion

We would love to hear your thoughts on this video, and the full participatory video produced by caregivers of children with Congenital Zika Syndrome in Cali, Colombia (check the “See Also” section). What did you think of this approach? Have you used participatory methods before? Please share your experiences!