Disabled children's childhoods: What are the research priorities?

This paper discusses the discourses of childhood and disability to develop research questions that are concerned with disabled children's childhoods. The three principles proposed focus on the views of disabled children; discuss the ethics involved and locate studies in a global context. The development of this approach to childhood is illustrated with reference first hand accounts, research studies and theoretical work. In addition, the emergence of this field is discussed as a form of community leadership. Research priorities are formed through critique of normative practices and listening intently to experience. This paper advances participatory research methodology and participatory professional education in order to nurture the skills to build understandings together, the confidence to refuse a 'them and us' relationship and critical engagement with research. From this perspective the question is not about quantitative or qualitative methods but the focus, the relationships and the involvement of young people, families and communities in forming research questions and priorities.