Rolling with the punches during COVID was developed through a “digital cue” research process. The research participants were asked to take pictures of items that represented the impacts of COVID-19 on their lives as persons with intellectual disabilities. The researcher then used these images as “digital cues” to better understand participants’ lived experiences during COVID.

Once the research was collected and analyzed, anonymized interview content was “scripted” into a short video capturing the various themes raised by the research participants. Images taken by the research participants were also layered into the video in creative ways to fully capture the participants’ experiences.

This research was funded by Nipissing University COVID-19 Funding Grant. To learn more about this research, contact Anna Przednowek at AnnaP[at]NipissingU.ca

Behind Closed Doors: The Hidden Grief of the Pandemic was developed through a “digital cue” research process. The research participants were asked to describe the impacts of COVID-19 on their lives as persons with intellectual disabilities. The researcher then used images as “digital cues” to better understand participants’ lived experiences during COVID.

Once the research was collected and analyzed, anonymized interview content was “scripted” into a short video capturing the various themes raised by the research participants. Images were also layered into the video in creative ways to fully capture the participants’ experiences.

This research was funded by Nipissing University COVID-19 Funding Grant. To learn more about this research, contact Anna Przednowek at AnnaP[at]NipissingU.ca

In 2024, the Participatory Advocacy Research Network held a one-of-a-kind research camp. This research camp was completely co-organized by a group of self-advocates living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, allies, and researchers. Together, they shared research information and methodologies focused on understanding and addressing issues that affect the quality of life of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

It was a complete privilege to attend and film this short video outlining the purpose of the camp, and the ways in which this network is creating spaces and opportunities for self-advocates, their allies and researchers to work together on research that will enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.