Including people with disabilities in research: implications for the field of augmentative and alternative communication

This paper presents a collaborative, investigative approach that incorporates the perspectives of people with disabilities into the design of research studies. The approach integrates elements of participatory and action research methodologies within a framework of an explicit, negotiated partnership. Three scenarios involving people who use augmentative and alternative communication are provided and theoretical, methodological, and ethical issues are outlined. It is proposed that fostering a research partnership among people with disabilities, service providers, and researchers not only assists in meeting research goals but furthers transformative action on a personal, community, and societal level.

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