The Wellcome Anti-Ableist Research Culture project centres around disability and systemic ableism in relation to three Priority Areas: Environment, Development and Collaboration. Helen Evans reflects on her first week in 91̽»¨, and the value of an inclusive Students as Researchers (iSaR) model of student voice. Visit the WAARC project page to read the latest updates on the team's work.
Hello, I’m a 3rd year PGR, visiting from the University of Birmingham’s Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs (DISN) department, based in the School of Education. I’m excited to be here at The Wave for the next three months on an ESRC-funded academic placement with the WAARC team, and under the temporary supervision of Prof. Dan Goodley and Dr. Lauren White. I am looking forward to collaborating with them on work towards the proposed Inclusive Research Methods module.
As my son is only just six, I am travelling up from the Welsh borders of Shropshire by train for just a few nights every week. For the curious, that’s at least three different trains and various potential routes! But it is worth it; the countryside is home from home in terms of beauty, the people are so friendly and welcoming, and the food… so much choice!
My first assignment here has been to present my PhD study to the WAARC and Critical Disability Studies teams, sharing how I utilised the principles of Inclusive Research in the context of SEND Student Voice in FE. Due to the confines of doctoral study, I explained to the group how I have had to envisage my PhD as two separate studies: mine and that of the participating students. My own study explores the value of an inclusive Students as Researchers (iSaR) model of student voice, as experienced by participating students, supporting staff and college leaders, and this left the student participants free to research whatever was meaningful to them through their own research projects. Our relationship was synergetic; I supported the student group to do their research, and the student group supported my study by helping to evaluate my iSaR model and its mechanisms, and to provide testimonial data about their experiences of the model, as participants.
I’ve always loved giving presentations; I love how each new theme requires you to reframe your work to fit, and in doing so, it becomes excitingly unfamiliar through each new lens. This time, it was important for me to create a visual and comprehensive overview, communicating the breadth and depth of my work, as introduction to myself and my research. The idea being that in this way, any alignment of interests could inspire new conversations and networking opportunities, to guide the direction of my placement so that it is of mutual benefit to myself and my hosts. I look forward to sharing what transpires in my concluding blog just before Christmas.
