Author(s): Kevin Barnes, Programmes Coordinator
Department: RehabCare
Traditional
methods of research involving people with disabilities have been the
subject of criticism. These approaches, it has been argued, have used
people as research subjects. It has been seen as research ‘on people’
rather than ‘with people’, which ultimately has led to little
improvement in people’s quality of life.
This abstract
describes a Participatory Action Research approach completed in July
2003 involving the National RehabCare Advocacy Committee’s (NRAC)
elected national body in part completion of MSc in Rehabilitation
Studies, University College Dublin. The process was reflective in
seeking people’s experience and providing an analysis of these
experiences to identify possible improvement within the National
Committee.
The information I would like to share identifies
learning outcomes from the process: Obtaining ethical consent will be
highlighted together with knowledge gained identifying further
improvements. Concerns about the power relationship between staff
researcher and service users participant will be examined. How the
process developed to increase participation and involvement within the
group will be shown. Together with how the results were formulated and
evaluated, and how the ownership of the actions increases the
likelihood of there implementation.
Moving from a ‘power over’
to a ‘power with’ research philosophy results in a feeling of anxiety
when control is lost and deadlines are looming. The presentation will
conclude that these feelings are essential to all researchers
conducting participatory research, but that future projects require
participants access to full information about the role of research and
research methodologies to ensure equal partnership approach.
For further information please contact
Kevin Barnes: Tel: 01 205 7286