Bannink Mbazzi F, Hameed S, Ganle JK, Shakespeare T, Polack S. Participatory research with youth with disabilities: Experiences from sub-Saharan Africa.
Afr J Disabil 2024;
13:1491. [PMID:
39507007 PMCID:
PMC11538200 DOI:
10.4102/ajod.v13i0.1491]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 11/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background
Disability inclusive youth research, involving youth with disabilities in the design, implementation and dissemination of study data, is still limited in Africa.
Objectives
To describe and reflect on the experiences of involving youth with disabilities in an exploratory research study, focused on disability-inclusive education and employment in 7 African countries.
Method
12 youths with different impairments, aged 18 to 35, were employed as researchers in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Uganda. Youth researchers contributed to the data collection and analysis of interviews with 210 youth with disabilities. 24 youth advisors with disabilities formed two youth advisory groups (YAG) of 12 advisors each in the regional hub countries Ghana and Uganda. The YAGs met 4 times during the project and contributed to the study design, data collection, data analysis and dissemination activities. In addition, 4 workshops were held with the Ugandan YAG to develop a participatory film.
Results
Together with the youth participants, we reflected on the experiences of involving youth with disabilities and conducting research with, by and on youth with disabilities. We highlighted ethics and safeguarding, recruitment and representation, exploring experiences and data quality, participatory dissemination, accessibility, capacity building and networking as key areas of consideration and benefit in this project.
Conclusion
Participatory research with youth with disabilities is feasible, enriching, and key to inclusive research that informs education and employment policy and practices.
Contribution
Lessons learned from youth involvement in a disability inclusive research programme, focused on education and employment in 7 African countries.
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