Learning Disability Research Group Learning Disability Research Group Click here for an easy read pdf The new Learning Disability Research Group conducts research related to the health and social care needs of people with learning disabilities (or intellectual disabilities, as it is known outside the UK). The group is chaired jointly by faculty members Irene Tuffrey-Wijne (Professor of Intellectual Disability and Palliative Care) and Richard Keagan-Bull (Researcher) who has learning disabilities. The purpose of this group is to share ideas, learn from each other, and support each other in doing inclusive research with people with learning disabilities. We do this during regular lunchtime meetings (4th Tuesday of the month, 12.00-13.00), where we help and encourage everyone to share academic work and ideas in an accessible format, so group members with learning disabilities can join in with the discussions. Our research interests are wide-ranging, but we have particular expertise in research around dying, death and bereavement; life transitions; and communication. We believe that research concerned with the lives of people with learning disabilities must be relevant to them and to their families and carers. The group includes highly experienced senior researchers as well as junior researchers and students. Crucially, it also includes researchers and research advisors who have learning disabilities themselves. Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) is fundamental to the work of this group, and we hold considerable expertise in this area. Along with the Mental Health Research Group, our group is closely aligned with the Centre for Public Engagement, which supports and champions meaningful involvement in research of people with disabilities, mental health problems, patients and carers. We have collaborative links with local, national and international organisations including service providers, other academic institutions, and professional networks. One example is the close collaboration with the Palliative Care for People With Learning Disabilities (PCPLD) Network, whose extremely popular webinar and podcast series are hosted by our Faculty. We want to nurture the future generation of researchers, and welcome inquiries and applications from prospective PhD students. What the group offers: High quality research projects of national and international relevanceAccess to expertise in conducting learning disability research, both at the Faculty and through collaboration with other universitiesAccess to expertise in conducting inclusive research with people with learning disabilitiesSharing of research ideas, questions and experienceMonthly meetingsAn annual webinarPhD supervisionSupport for the Learning Disability Nursing course at Kingston UniversityResearch training for people with learning disabilities Members Faculty members: Prof Irene Tuffrey-Wijne (CHAIR)Richard Keagan-Bull (CO-CHAIR)Prof Mary ChambersProf Baroness Sheila HollinsDr Becky AndersonDr Mark BrownLynette HarperDaniel MarsdenSarah Helton External members: Mencap London Research Team Anyone with an interest in this area is invited to join our meetings.Please email Irene on I.Tuffrey-Wijne@sgul.kingston.ac.uk. The following are especially welcome and encouraged to join: Researchers and research advisors with learning disabilities (and their support workers)Kingston University Students – including all Learning Disability Nursing Students Programme of Meetings in 2021 All on Tuesdays, 12.00 – 13.00 Meetings are an informal mixture of short presentations (max. 5 mins), Questions & Answers (led by the chairs), and discussion. During coronavirus restrictions, meetings will be held on Zoom. Everyone is encouraged to keep their camera on and contribute. DateMeeting topic (Provisional)30th MarchLAUNCH EVENT Sharing what we do, and dreaming about what we want to do27th AprilResearch training for people with learning disabilities25th MaySetting up and working with Research Advisory Groups29th June Using pictures as a data collection tool with people with learning disabilities27th July Employing people with learning disabilities as researchers: experiences and challenges31st August Speaking at conferences and webinars: why do it? what works? how can we prepare?28th September Group members present their work (current research & proposals) (Group members and faculty members only)26th OctoberTBC30th NovemberDreams and ideas… What study would you love to do?No meeting in December