#wickenden

January 11, 2017

~Second Article: “Ask us too! Doing participatory research with disabled children in the global south” By Wickenden and Kembhavi-Tam (2014)

1. What are the basic assumptions that inform the reading? -“Consulting children themselves is rarely extended to those with disabilities.” (400) Inclusion of children with disabilities in participatory research that is child-centred. Disabled children and young people’s perspectives are overlooked, particularly in the global south.

2. What are the major organizing ideas? -”Disabled children can and should actively participate in both mainstream childhoods research and in specific disability-focussed studies.”(413) Advocating for systems change in children’s research methodology, specific to children with disabilities. To be included in their own research.

3. What serious questions does the reading raise regarding the fields of child and youth study? -How accurate is the research being done if there are people being left out? Is it representative? Is it accessible for the children to participate? Is our inclusion inclusive enough? 

4. What serious omissions are left out of the article or reading (if any)? -The study focuses on the global south, as stated, that the northern areas use more inclusive practices. Though the south may need extra support to improve their practices, all global areas should be considered. Perhaps socioeconomic conditions of towns and cities where these children live would also contribute to how methodologies are refined and put into action. 

5. In what ways does this article reinforce, extend, challenge, or oppose your own views on child and youth study/research/practice? -The article reinforces group views to change the tradition research methodology; to extend the scope and guide the children around the concepts. Our knowledge is extended with considering how notions of inclusion and acceptance can be restrictive and oppressive, critically examining the language we use with children and to speak about children to demonstrate inclusion in discussion.