Reimagining Belonging: Co-Research with Young People with Profound Disabilities with Elspeth Clark

In the eighth episode of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Elspeth Clark, a doctoral researcher from the University of Southampton. Elspeth’s research explores the relationship between meaningful occupation and a sense of belonging for young people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities.Drawing on her background as an occupational therapist, Elspeth works collaboratively with students in a special school setting, using sensory and embodied methods to co-construct understanding. Her research challenges the idea that people who don’t use words to communicate can’t meaningfully engage in research, and she makes a strong case for more inclusive and participatory approaches.Elspeth shares how she builds trusting relationships, how innovative audio-visual tools are amplifying student voices, and how her findings could inform better practices across education, health, and social care. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of recognising agency, promoting belonging, and designing research that centres those who are often left out. You can read a transcript of the conversation here. Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.ukThis is a Research Podcasts production.Credits:Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research PodcastsGuest: Elspeth Clark, University of SouthamptonProducer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research PodcastsEditor: Anton Jarvis, Research PodcastsTranscripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.