A workshop titled “Doing Inclusive Research” at the ongoing World Congress 2025 ‘We Are Inclusion’ on Tuesday explored the growing global movement to involve persons with intellectual disabilities in research not just as participants, but as collaborators and leaders. The session underscored how inclusive practices are ensuring that marginalised voices play a central role in shaping knowledge, influencing policy, and driving real-world solutions.

The discussion was led by Tia Nelis, Consultant at Inclusion International, and Mary Wickenden, Research Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), who presented compelling examples of inclusive research in action. Both speakers emphasised that engaging individuals with lived experience is critical to understanding complex challenges and generating meaningful change.

Drawing on her work with Women Enabled International, Nelis explained how self-advocates from three countries were trained to lead focus groups and create easy-to-understand materials on women’s rights. Accessibility was embedded throughout the project, she noted, while also stressing the importance of recognising and valuing the time and expertise of contributors with intellectual disabilities.

Wickenden, meanwhile, shared findings from an IDS-led research project during the COVID-19 pandemic that collected more than 150 personal stories from persons with disabilities across five countries. Conducted in collaboration with local researchers and support teams, the project documented both the emotional and practical challenges faced during the crisis—from isolation and limited access to healthcare to financial strain. Importantly, participants also offered their own recommendations for future emergency response planning, demonstrating the practical impact of inclusive research on shaping better outcomes.

The session also featured a hands-on activity where participants experimented with inclusive research methods by sharing personal stories of aspirations and achievements. Using drawings, models, and spoken word, participants worked in small groups to present their stories, ask questions, and reflect on the process. The workshop concluded with group feedback on lessons learned and on ways to make inclusive research more accessible, collaborative, and effective.

The World Congress 2025 "We Are Inclusion" continues in Sharjah until September 17, bringing together more than 500 participants from 74 countries, including 152 speakers representing 160 organisations, across 59 parallel sessions. Held for the first time in the MENA region and North Africa, the Congress is a leading global platform for sharing best practices and advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities. It is co-organised by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services and Inclusion International, and in strategic partnership with the Sharjah Government Media Bureau.