Community-engaged Research on Learning Disability Services
Innovation Voucher with Elsie Normington Foundation and the Haven Centre
This Community Assessment and Action participatory research project supports positive practice for children and young people with severe learning disabilities and complex needs. A dedicated group of volunteers worked with researchers at UHI's Centre for Living Sustainability(CLS) to explore experiences and hopes for disability services.
The research was conducted collaboratively with key stakeholders following methodologies used at the CLS to ensure meaningful and valuable community input. A wide range of community stakeholders were involved in participatory workshops and case studies over a three-month period in Spring 2024 where they provided input about their experiences with learning disability services and their vision for how the recently built Haven Centre in Inverness could best address their needs.
Researchers:
CLS team - Vicky Johnson and Sarah Wagner
Voluntary peer research team - Heather Blain, Deborah Hart and Amelia Williamson
Partners: Elsie Normington Foundation
Reports/Publications: Innovation voucher report - Your Vision for the Haven
Funders: Elsie Normington Foundation; Scottish Funding Council (Interface Innovation Voucher); University of the Highlands and Islands Innovation Voucher top-up
