Understanding technology access for people with intellectual disability through Participatory Action Research

Participatory action research (PAR) is a family of research methodologies that pursue action or change and research at the same time, combining action research and participatory praxis. PAR involves academic-community partnerships to conduct research, interpret results and translate information for strategic planning and action. This chapter presents the challenges faced by individuals with intellectual disability in accessing and participating in technology research and emphasises the importance of inclusive research and design, particularly through participatory action research (PAR), to address the gap in technology use and accessibility for people with intellectual disability. It presents a participatory approach to technology development with and for people with intellectual disability, discusses some of the unique challenges and opportunities of that project and highlights the potential of PAR in challenging ableism and creating more inclusive research and higher education environments.