Beyond Inclusion: Challenging Ableist Norms in Qualitative Research with IDD Communities

Taye Hallock – Temple University; Patrick Kelly – Brown University

Abstract: Traditional qualitative research methodologies often reinforce ableist assumptions that exclude diverse ways of knowing, particularly for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many standard qualitative coding approaches rely on linear, positivist frameworks that extract isolated meanings rather than embracing fluid, relational knowledge-sharing. These frameworks fail to reflect the lived experiences of individuals with IDD, reinforcing neurotypical and Eurocentric norms.

This presentation shares lessons learned from two research projects that challenged the ways we approach coding and analysis when working with IDD populations. While many research teams emphasize inclusive recruitment, true inclusion must extend to how meaning is interpreted and structured. We will discuss how coding methods that prioritize categorization and reduction can distort complex narratives and exclude nonlinear, associative ways of knowing. By reflecting on our experiences adapting coding strategies, we highlight the need for continued interrogation rather than a fixed framework of inclusion. Universal design principles in qualitative coding offer potential paths forward, but they must be approached as an ongoing process of learning rather than a static solution.

As a neurodivergent researcher, I will share insights from both lived experience and research practice. This session will critically examine what it truly means to conduct inclusive research. If methodologies remain unchallenged, do we genuinely foster an inclusive world, or do we reinforce exclusion under the guise of accessibility? This presentation calls on researchers to interrogate their methods, ensuring inclusion is not just a performative goal but a foundational aspect of ethical, equitable knowledge production.

Keywords: Inclusive Research, Disability Justice