What is inclusive research?

Inclusive research is when a group of people with a learning disability carry out research about issues that affect their lives and those of their friends.

People with a learning disability with support take a lead role. They have an intrinsic role in all stages of the research, including the design, process and dissemination, rather than just contributing to the data collection.

(Walmsley and Johnson 2003)

Their research findings enables others to have a better understanding of these challenges. The aim is to make changes in both policy and practice, that make a real difference to their lives.

The group has completed a number of research projects;

  • Money, Friends and Making Ends Meet 2011

  • Our Lives, Our Research 2014

  • Living our Lives 2016

  • Getting Involved – what stops us 2018

If you would like a PDF copy of any of these research projects please get in touch with us.

The research group have also written a number of articles. Click here for the full list of publications by Building Bridges Research Group and Dr Liz Tilly.

Group of five people sitting around a table during a meeting or discussion, with papers and drinks on the table.

Research presentations

The group regularly deliver teaching about inclusive research and also presentations of their research findings at the Social History of Learning Disability conference at the Open University in 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2025 and Lancaster Disability Studies Conference in 2016.

They also presented at the WIDeN Conference at the University of Wolverhampton in 2015, and contribute to the regular WIDeN meetings.

In March 2022 three members of the research group gave an online presentation about their work at the IASSIDD Roundtable Discussion on Inclusive Research. A recording of all the meeting and presentations is available here.

Four people sitting at a conference table in a meeting room, listening attentively. The man in the foreground wears glasses and a black shirt, with arms crossed. The others include a teenage boy in a blue T-shirt and two adults, one with a black jacket and the other with a dark blazer. There are papers, a green water bottle, and electronic devices on the table, with a red-striped wall in the background.

Reasonable adjustments

Watch our video to find out how small changes can make a difference for accessibility.