Research: Disability and Inclusion
All disabled people have the right to participate in cultural, recreational, and public life, including research and knowledge production, as affirmed by Articles 30 and 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This section centers disabled people’s expertise and is informed by the principle that research about disability should involve and benefit disabled communities.
This section gathers resources, guides, tools, and archives for disability research that respects rights, access, and justice. It is intended for researchers, students, advocates, and community organizers.
What You’ll Find Here
Section titled “What You’ll Find Here”Understanding data sources, measurement tools, and best practices for collecting and interpreting disability statistics.
Directory of disability studies programs, training opportunities, and educational pathways at universities and community organizations.
Critical guidance for reading, analyzing, and understanding disability-related data responsibly.
Tools and practices for making research accessible to disabled participants and researchers.
Ethical Research with Disabled Communities
Section titled “Ethical Research with Disabled Communities”Principles and practices for conducting research that respects dignity, consent, and community participation.
Curated collection of significant research, reports, and datasets on disability topics.
What This Section Aims To Do
Section titled “What This Section Aims To Do”- Provide guidance for producing and using data on disability ethically and effectively
- Offer tools and methods for accessible, inclusive research practices
- Center ethical responsibilities, participation, and informed consent
- Curate relevant academic programs and training resources
- Archive and link to major studies, reports, and datasets
Key Principles for Disability Research
Section titled “Key Principles for Disability Research”Research involving disabled people should:
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Include disabled people as partners: Not just as subjects, but as co-researchers, advisors, and decision-makers
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Use accessible methods: Surveys, interviews, and materials must accommodate multiple access needs
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Apply social/rights-based frameworks: Focus on barriers and systemic issues, not deficits in individuals
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Benefit disabled communities: Research should serve the people it studies, not exploit them
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Respect autonomy and consent: Particularly for people with cognitive and intellectual disabilities
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Be transparent: Share methods, limitations, and findings in accessible formats
Related Sections
Section titled “Related Sections”This section centers disabled people’s expertise and is informed by the principle that research should involve and benefit disabled communities. For questions or to suggest additions, see How to Contribute.
Contribute to This Page
Section titled “Contribute to This Page”Have lived experience or expertise that could strengthen this page? We especially welcome perspectives on models not well represented here, including those from the Global South and Indigenous communities.
This page centers disabled people’s expertise and is informed by disabled-led organizing globally. For questions or to suggest additions, see How to Contribute.