WeCan2: exploring the implications of young people with learning disabilities engaging in their own research

• Published in: European journal of special needs education Vol. 25; no. 1; pp. 31 - 44
• Main Author: Kellett, with original research contributions by young people with a learning disability: Allan Aoslin, Ross Baines, Alice Clancy, Lizzie Jewiss-Hayden, Ryan Singh and Josh Strudgwick, Mary
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 01.02.2010
• Subjects: Children; Community Organizations; Consumers; Democracy; Educational Researchers; Interviews; Learning; Learning Disabilities; learning disability; Learning disabled people; Meetings; Observation; participation; Participative Decision Making; Research Methodology; Research Projects; Student Participation; voice; Young Adults; Young children; Young people; young researchers; youth democracy
• ISSN: 0885-6257; 1469-591X
• DOI: 10.1080/08856250903450822

The concept of children and young people as researchers has started to gather momentum in response to changing perspectives on their status in society, recognition of their role as consumers and increased attention to children and young people's rights. There are early signs of a growing body of research studies undertaken by children and young people themselves. To date, this has included very little by young people with learning disabilities. 1 Concepts of young people's participation and voice are thrown into sharper contrast for groups who sit on the margins of society. This paper reports research undertaken by a group of young people with learning disabilities exploring their experiences of youth democracy and meaningful participation in decision-making forums. The paper draws on theoretical frameworks of participation and voice; however, its primary focus is to celebrate and value research undertaken by these marginalised young people.