Service users' views of the Research Active Programme

Background The Research Active Programme (RAP) was an eight-week group-based research training programme designed to promote disability rights in research by providing opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to become co-researchers. This article presents an evaluation of the effectiveness of the RAP from the perspectives of 14 students. Methods Data collection involved individual pre- and post-programme interviews and weekly post-session group feedback with all 14 RAP students. Interviews were transcribed and analysed. Results Students' interests, abilities and learning styles were identified and used alongside continual feedback to guide the curriculum design. Students' perspectives are presented under four domains: foundations to learning, responsive curriculum development, content learning and complementary learning. Conclusions From the students' perspectives, the RAP was a worthwhile investment for them. Participating in the programme provided access to a wider social network in a third-level educational environment and created opportunities for lifelong learners interested in becoming co-researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]; Copyright of Learning Disability Practice is the property of RCN Publishing Company and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)