Evaluation of a Co-Research Program: Optimising Engagement in Research
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| Title: | Evaluation of a Co-Research Program: Optimising Engagement in Research |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Ashley Scott (ORCID |
| Source: | British Journal of Learning Disabilities. 2026 54(1):28-38. |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 11 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Institute on Aging (NIA) (DHHS/NIH) |
| Contract Number: | R01AG073179 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Research Methodology, Program Evaluation, Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disabilities, Down Syndrome, Inclusion, Medical Research, Research Assistants, Cooperation, Researchers, Participatory Research |
| DOI: | 10.1111/bld.70012 |
| ISSN: | 1354-4187 1468-3156 |
| Abstract: | Background: Co-research methods have improved the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on research teams. This article presents the evaluation of the DS-TO-THE-MAX Co-Research Program to assess program process and outcomes. The team consists of co-researchers with Down syndrome and academic researchers who collaborate on health research projects important to the Down syndrome community. Methods: We developed a logic model to map program components and outcomes. From the model, we identified and assessed five key areas. We interviewed seven co-researchers with Down syndrome and conducted a focus group with research assistants based on key areas. We analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: We found that mutual recognition of contributions and multiple communication modes facilitated engagement and team connectedness. Co-researchers reported their interests and experiences drove contributions, and they saw benefits from collaborating with each other. Co-researchers noticed accessible team practices and described self-advocating. Though co-researchers did not explicitly identify as researchers, they reported making decisions and feeling heard and valued. They shared barriers such as difficult vocabulary. Conclusions: Our evaluation showed that relationships and co-researchers' experiences and interests were central to research engagement. Co-research team evaluations are feasible mechanisms to improve inclusive collaboration for research team members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1496563 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: Co-research methods have improved the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on research teams. This article presents the evaluation of the DS-TO-THE-MAX Co-Research Program to assess program process and outcomes. The team consists of co-researchers with Down syndrome and academic researchers who collaborate on health research projects important to the Down syndrome community. Methods: We developed a logic model to map program components and outcomes. From the model, we identified and assessed five key areas. We interviewed seven co-researchers with Down syndrome and conducted a focus group with research assistants based on key areas. We analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: We found that mutual recognition of contributions and multiple communication modes facilitated engagement and team connectedness. Co-researchers reported their interests and experiences drove contributions, and they saw benefits from collaborating with each other. Co-researchers noticed accessible team practices and described self-advocating. Though co-researchers did not explicitly identify as researchers, they reported making decisions and feeling heard and valued. They shared barriers such as difficult vocabulary. Conclusions: Our evaluation showed that relationships and co-researchers' experiences and interests were central to research engagement. Co-research team evaluations are feasible mechanisms to improve inclusive collaboration for research team members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. |
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| ISSN: | 1354-4187 1468-3156 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/bld.70012 |
