Towards meaningful participation in humanitarian studies: co-researching with persons with disabilities in Central Sulawesi
Disaster Prevention and Management
ISSN: 0965-3562
Article publication date: 31 January 2022
Issue publication date: 17 May 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This paper presents the experience of co-researching with persons with disabilities in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) humanitarian programming using participatory methods that enable empowerment.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper focuses on methods that ensure the active participation of persons with disabilities as co-researchers. These methods include building the capacity of persons with disabilities on the research topic and instruments, pre-interview role-plays, field pilot testing, post-data collection debriefing and reflective learning through writing learning diaries.
Findings
This research shows that persons with disabilities have the drive and capacity to contribute to research. Methods such as continuous engagement, capacity building and feedback mechanisms are essential for their participation and influence in the research production process. These methods can provide empowering experiences for persons with disabilities. However, they are often time-consuming and can be convoluted.
Originality/value
Research conducted with persons with disabilities in disaster and humanitarian studies is still scarce. Consequently, resources on inclusive and participatory methodology involving persons with disabilities are minimal. Therefore, this article contributes to addressing this knowledge gap.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Elrha for funding this work through the Humanitarian Innovation Fund and their OPD colleagues for their enthusiasm and invaluable support throughout this project. The authors received valuable input to the earlier version of this paper from their mentor Prof. John Twigg of University College London, and fellow Early Career Researchers (ECRs) from the National Institute for Space Research Brazil: Miguel Angel Trejo-Rangel, Adriano Mota Ferreira, Victor Marchezini, Daniel Andrés Rodriguez, Melissa Da Silva Oliveira and Daniel Messias dos Santos. The authors also thank their ECR peers, Manomita Das, for sharing her important reflections to the manuscript, as well as Abner Lawangen for giving the opportunity to learn from his work. The authors greatly benefit from the mentorship and peer-reviews schemes made available by the editors of this Disaster Prevention and Management special issue.
Citation
Kusumowardoyo, C.L. and Wulansari, H.Y. (2022), "Towards meaningful participation in humanitarian studies: co-researching with persons with disabilities in Central Sulawesi", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 31 No. 2, pp. 158-165. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPM-03-2021-0104
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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