How Can People with Intellectual Disabilities Be Supported to Engage in Citizen Science?

Introduction: In the scientific community, there is growing interest in citizen science as an approach to involving non-experts in scientific research. However, currently there are very few examples of citizen science projects that involve people with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual disabilities. There is a need therefore to explore whether and how citizen science projects can become more inclusive. Research Aim: This commentary paper draws on literature and research examples to explore whether inclusive research methods and processes have a role to play in increasing the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in citizen science projects. Evidence-based Facts: In order to develop a case for the potential role that inclusive research methods and processes might play in enhancing the inclusivity of citizen science, this paper: 1) provides an overview of the characteristics, methods and principles of citizen science; 2) compares citizen science to inclusive research and 3) provides an example drawn from a small pilot study of how inclusive research methods and approaches were employed to support people with intellectual disabilities to engage in a citizen science project. Summary: The authors conclude that it is possible to use inclusive methods and processes to engage people with intellectual disabilities in citizen science projects, but that professional scientists will need to be willing to be more flexible in their understanding of what citizen science is. The adoption or adaptation of inclusive research methods and processes offers citizen science an opportunity to expand engagement and create more inclusive research environments for people with intellectual disabilities.