Youth and Mentor Experiences of a Disability Inclusive Youth Research Training and Mentorship Programme in Uganda

Young persons with disability are often excluded from research, especially in low-income countries. In this study, we evaluated a one-year Disability Inclusive Youth (DIY) training and mentoring programme to build research capacity among Ugandan youths with and without disability. Fourteen youths (seven with a disability and seven peers) received a two-week training course in disability studies and research methods followed by a two-month internship. After completing the internship, they engaged in a nine-month research programme in which they collected and analysed life history data with other youths and co-created a film about their experiences in the programme. We evaluated reactions, learning, behavioural changes and the results of the training programme. Evaluation findings showed that the programme enhanced participants’ research skills, confidence and understanding of disability while fostering advocacy and peer support. Challenges included accessibility and sustained mentorship, although overall trainees and mentors reported improved disability inclusion in their research institution. Most participants secured employment post-programme. The DIY programme is a co-designed capacity-building approach with the potential for scale-up.