he Transforming Research Forum convened virtually in October 2021 during the National Research Consortium on Mental Health in IDD. A total of 46 researchers, providers, representatives from advocacy organizations, and members of the project Advisory Board participated.
The purpose of the Forum was to encourage IDD-MH researchers and other stakeholders to:
- Critically examine the beliefs and practices that many within the research community have about IDD-MH that may negatively influence studies
- Create strategies researchers can use to engage people with IDD-MH in meaningful research collaborations
To develop the Transforming Research Forums, the leadership team picked content from the Truth & Reconciliation Forums that was important for researchers. We also developed new content. We thought about:
- Harms in research
- Responding to race, ethnicity, and multiple cultural identities of research participants
- Strategies for collaborating with research partners with IDD-MH
The final agenda consisted of:
- The Introduction
- The Lived Experience of Persons with IDD-MH: Implications for Research
- Nothing About Us Without Us
- Reconciliation of Past and Current Harms
- Truth & Reconciliation Forums Evaluation
- Lessons Learned & Next Steps
The Transforming Research Forum included pre-recorded videos, live Zoom polls, chat activities, Q&A with each member of the leadership team, and small group reflection and dialogue.