Visual Narratives by Adults with intellectual disability

The purpose of this Master by Research project was for participants with intellectual disabilities (ID) to work with a lens-based practitioner to evaluate how visual media can be used to document their own perceptions for a greater understanding of diverse abilities in the wider community. An environment of respect and collaboration was facilitated which enabled a cycle of 'knowledge sharing' between the co-designers with ID and the researcher. This led to findings beyond the original research plan to include first hand experience of building respectful relationships within an Inclusive Arts project. This project had 3 stages Stage 1 involved: Interviewing various professions in the fields of intellectual disability care and arts practice for all abilities to gain guidance, advice and information that is was used to inform Stages 2 and 3.Stage 2 implemented a series of photo-based workshops with co-designers with ID.Stage 3 is the dissemination of creative artefacts produced by co-designers and the researcher throughout stage As a creative practice research project, contributions made were in the form of a written exegesis as well as the production of visual creative artefacts. These artefacts were produced by both the researcher and the co-designers and informed the findings of the research conducted.