How Can Research Better Represent Disabled People's Health?

In this video, Jodi Lamanna discusses her work with Disability Matters, an international research programme exploring disability, health, and inclusion. Her contribution focuses on a key question: what kinds of research methods best represent disabled people and the health priorities that matter to them?

Jodi reflects on the importance of moving beyond traditional approaches that often speak about disabled people rather than working alongside them. Instead, the project explores methods that centre lived experience, collaboration, and participation. By involving disabled people in shaping research questions, collecting evidence, and interpreting findings, these approaches aim to create knowledge that is more relevant, accessible, and meaningful.

The video also considers how research can better reflect the diversity of disabled people's experiences. It highlights the value of listening to different voices and creating spaces where people can share their perspectives in ways that work for them.

As part of Disability Matters, this work challenges researchers to think carefully about how research is conducted, who it represents, and how it can contribute to a better understanding of disabled people's health priorities.