Reference Group

The research project 'Vocational Participation of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities' is based on a participatory methodological design. By including people with learning difficulties, as the members of the group define themselves in accordance with the international People First movement, via a reference group in the analysis of qualitative data, the project aims at making a contribution to the methodological development in the field of participatory research.

Following the 'Nothing about us without us' philosophy the members of the reference group contribute the experience of the researched group in the analysis of the qualitative data. Within the design of the research project the reference group has an advisory and supporting role for the theoretical analysis. Through this design the project aims at ensuring that in line with the principles of participatory research the results of the project will not only be useful in expanding academic knowledge but also be of relevance for people with intellectual disabilities.