Exploring Vulnerabilities in the Pandemic. Ethical Concerns and Methodological Consequences

Dins, Timo ORCID: 0000-0003-2758-5275 (2021). Exploring Vulnerabilities in the Pandemic. Ethical Concerns and Methodological Consequences. In: 6th IASSIDD Europe Congress, 6. - 8. July 2021, Virtual. Speech.

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Abstract

Background: Persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities are commonly considered particularly vulnerable. While health problems and lack of opportunities to participate have been a reality for them long before the outbreak of the global pandemic, the current crisis most likely leads to a deterioration of their situation. However, the pandemic is also said to have the potential to make their needs and demands more visible. In this presentation, we want to reconsider this assumption and thus aim at exploring their complex vulnerabilities in this special situation. Methods: While participatory research approaches would be in order to investigate vulnerabilities, they do not come into question – ironically, because close contact between researchers and study participants enhances the same vulnerabilities this study wants to explore. The presentation reflects this paradox and in addition, it provides first insights from a systematic literature review on this phenomenon. Results: Research with (and for) persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities has always had to carefully consider their vulnerabilities. The major particularity in the current situation is that their vulnerabilities are now medically underpinned. Conclusions: In situations such as the current global pandemic new methodological approaches are needed in order to involve the perspective of persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities.

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Conference or Workshop Item (Speech)

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