Community-based participatory approach: Students as partners in educational accessible technology research

Abstract

This paper discusses the critical role of bringing together students with disabilities as research partners using principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR). Most accessible technology research approaches include the target population as end-users, not as community partners. This paper describes how CBPR can enhance designs and increase likelihood of effective and efficiency of end-user designs or prototypes that impact students in education. We conclude with a discussion on how to empower students as research partners using CBPR principles. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.