More than words: The use of video in ethnographic research with people with intellectual disabilities

Alexandra Kaley, Chris Hatton, Christine Milligan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

There is a tendency to exclude people with intellectual disabilities from participating in research about their own lives. While the use of participatory research approaches is increasing, the methods used for engaging people with intellectual disabilities in research are generally limited to interviews and focus groups. Yet a focus on the spoken or written word can present a challenge for those who may prefer to use alternative forms of communication. The purpose of this article is to share the methodological insights gained from a visual ethnographic study that sought to explore the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities engaged in nature based (or “green care”) therapeutic interventions for health and well-being. If used within carefully negotiated relationships, we suggest that video can be an empowering visual medium for doing research that can help to elicit the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities firsthand, without having to rely on the views and perspectives of other people.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)931-943
Number of pages13
JournalQualitative Health Research
Volume29
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2019

Keywords

  • disability
  • disabled persons
  • learning disability
  • methodology
  • qualitative
  • research evaluation
  • United Kingdom
  • video method

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