Certified Specialist Programme in Disability Rights Research Methods
Published on June 14, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm delighted to be joined by Dr. Jane Thompson, an expert in disability rights and the lead instructor for the Certified Specialist Programme in Disability Rights Research Methods. Dr. Thompson, welcome to the show! GUEST: Thank you for having me, I'm excited to be here! HOST: To start, could you share a bit about your personal experiences and insights that led you to create this course? GUEST: Of course. I've worked in the field of disability rights for over two decades, and I've seen firsthand the need for rigorous, ethical research to inform policy and practice. I wanted to create a course that would empower learners to contribute to this important work. HOST: That's fantastic. And what current industry trends do you think are most relevant to this course? GUEST: There's growing recognition of the importance of including people with disabilities in research, both as participants and as researchers. Our course emphasizes inclusive research practices and the need to center the voices of people with disabilities. HOST: That's crucial. Now, what challenges have you faced in teaching this subject, and how have you addressed them? GUEST: One challenge is the widespread misconception that disability rights research is niche or specialized. In reality, it's a vital component of human rights research. We address this by highlighting the connections between disability rights and broader human rights issues throughout the course. HOST: That makes sense. Finally, where do you see the future of disability rights research heading? GUEST: I believe we'll continue to see increased emphasis on inclusive, participatory research methods. I'm also excited about the potential for technology to enhance accessibility and participation in research. HOST: It's clear that this course is both timely and important. Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson, and for all the valuable work you're doing in the field of disability rights research. GUEST: Thank you for having me, it's been a pleasure. HOST: To our listeners, if you're interested in learning more about the Certified Specialist Programme in Disability Rights Research Methods, be sure to check out the links in our show notes. Until next time, keep exploring, and stay curious!
