About the Inclusive Research Network

What is the Inclusive Research Network?

The Inclusive Research Network is a group of people who come together to do research or talk about research that is about people with intellectual disabilities.

This network is for anyone interested in this type of research e.g., people from services, self-advocacy groups, organisations, researchers and community groups

A Report on the Inclusive Research Network was launched on February 25th 2010.

You can download a copy of the IRN Report which was launched on 25th February 2010 here

You can download a copy of the Easy to Read Report on IRN here

What are the Goals of the network?

To make links and connections between people with intellectual disability researchers, university researchers, people from the community and staff in services.

To develop partnerships for research projects.
To support members to work closely together on common interests and research projects.
To listen to people with disabilities and their supporters so that research is useful and aims to make a positive difference in peoples lives.

To support research that includes people with intellectual disability as initiators, researchers, and users of research findings.
To increase the number of inclusive research projects being done in Ireland.
To set up a list of researchers who are interested in inclusive research.

To share the information which comes from research.
To develop a website for the network.

What will the Network do?

Members will meet on a regular basis and share research knowledge and skills.

Members will develop partnerships together on common research interests.
Members can get training in research methods.

Members can be part of a discussion forum for researchers in Ireland.
Members will develop joint proposals.
The network will provide a list of all disability research in Ireland.

The network will share research findings with all members

What are the principles/values of the network?

All members are equal.
Research will address issues which are important to people with intellectual disability and which will lead to better lives for them.
It will express the views and experiences of people with intellectual disabilities.

Being part of the network will increase the respect given to members of the network.
Research findings will be used to make good changes where needed in peoples lives.
The network will involve people with intellectual disability at all stages of research projects i.e., as researchers, advisors, committee members, network members etc.