A Call-In for Allyship and Anti-Ableism in Intellectual Disability Research

Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2023 Nov 1;128(6):398-410. doi: 10.1352/1944-7558-128.6.398.

Abstract

Provoked by decades of grassroots activism, anti-ableist work is underway to advance disability rights. Intellectual disability (ID) researchers can integrate these social changes into their work by interrogating and transforming the beliefs and practices that underpin ID research. We share actionable ideas to foster anti-ableism and allyship in ID research. These include: (1) Learn from and nurture long-term, mutual relationships with people with ID; (2) Amplify the voices of people with ID in institutional structures that influence research; (3) Infuse anti-ableist frameworks into our own research; and (4) Embody a career-long commitment to disability rights, reflexive practice, and growth.

Keywords: anti-ableist; disability rights; intellectual disability research.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability*
  • Research / trends
  • Social Discrimination* / prevention & control