Mapping the inclusive city: Engaging people with disabilities as co-researchers in Groningen (the Netherlands)

Abstract

In this article, we discuss a participatory project with people with disabilities. In light of the lack of collaboration with people with disabilities in (spatial) decision-making processes, our aim was to develop and test a method that allowed for the involvement of people with disabilities in community development, and in particular in mapping accessibility and inclusivity in various places and spaces in the city of Groningen (the Netherlands). In this project, we collaborated with clients at ‘s Heeren Loo, an organization that provides housing and care for clients with acquired brain injury, deafness with complex problems and chronic neurological disorders. We describe our approach and experiences in participatory research, focusing on the opportunities and challenges in developing and implementing a data collection method that enabled us to involve people with a disability as co-researchers.