On the Right Side of History: Community-Based Participatory Research and People with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Community-based participatory research fosters more socially just and higher quality science. Strong collaborations between scientists and community members with developmental disabilities throughout all phases of research allows scientists to draw on insights into lived experiences to create research that is increasingly innovative, holistic, accurate, and accessible. These dynamics engender greater feelings of respect among research populations thereby encouraging their research participation; they also promote research better able to lead to knowledge translation. Equally as important, community-based participatory research helps scientists avoid pursuing research that is harmful to people with disabilities.