Participatory Data Analysis Alongside Co-researchers who have Down Syndrome

BackgroundThere is comparatively little published research that transparently charts the contribution of people with an intellectual disability to a collaborative research process. This paper illustrates the process of data analysis in a project located within the Emancipatory Disability Research (EDR) paradigm. Materials and methodsTextual data was made available from a participatory action research project involving young people who have Down syndrome. A university based researcher analysed a portion of the data set using thematic networks with the participation of co-researchers in iterative cycles of reflexivity. ResultsThe participation of the co-researchers is demonstrated and a global theme, deduced from the collaborative analysis, is described. ConclusionAuthentic participation of co-researchers in the data analysis stage of the research process is an example of inclusive research' and assures adherence to the principles of EDR in informing the theory and practice of social inclusion for young adults with an intellectual disability.