Would you like to participate in research regarding opinion about disabilities?

The following is an invitation I received to participate in a research project regarding public opinion and disabilities. Every time I can influence public opinion positively about disabled people, I try to participate. I have already participated in phase one of Mr. Cimini's project, and found him to be fair and as sensitive as possible.Click on the email link to ask further questions about the research, and, please, let me know if you are participating by leaving a comment below.
Leticia

The Politics of Heredity, Disability & Reproduction
Welcome
You are invited to participate in an ESRC funded research project that examines attitudes towards 'The Politics of Heredity, Disability and Reproduction'. The research will explore how differing attitudes towards this topic may reach a shared understanding. It also seeks to investigate what are the potential obstacles, biases and potentialities of associated 'stakeholder' groups. A report will be produced based on the findings and I would be happy to share these findings with you prior to any publications.

What does the research involve?

Approximately 30 - 40 key stakeholders have been invited to take part in a group discussion online - including a number of medical researchers, scientists and associated experts, alongside individuals who are associated with the disabled people's movement and others who have expressed an interest in these questions. The group discussion is geared towards gathering a shared meaning of the issues at stake.

If you agree to take part, you will be given secure access to a "research wiki" where you will be encouraged to write, edit and discuss group statements, encyclopaedia articles and joint letters, amongst other such texts. I am interested in all sorts of contributions: long or short, factual, descriptive or fun. No-one other than participants in this research will have access to your contributions.

How can I take part?

Taking part is easy. If you don't already have a password email me and I will grant you access. From here, you will be free to browse the content of the wiki and edit whatever you choose.

Please help promote this wiki and forward a link to anyone who you think may be interested.

I am looking forward to continuing contacts.

Nicholas Cimini
Doctoral Student
School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) & The Bakhtin Centre
University of Sheffield


What are the potential risks of taking part?

The research will address issues that are potentially sensitive. If you participate you may be confronted with ideas that are considered upsetting or offensive to some people. The research will involve discussing topics such as disablement, prenatal screening and abortion. Participants are urged to act in good faith and be kind. You will find the contact details of various support groups, by following a link given on the project homepage, should you need to get in touch with anyone to discuss the issues raised during the research process.


What are the potential benefits of taking part?

Technological innovations often move forward more quickly than public understanding and consensus. The research will help to find ways to engage the public and professionals in debates over new technologies. It will help us to understand the impediments faced by stakeholders, the opportunities open to them, and the potential for a general consensus in the politics of heredity and reproduction.

Will my taking part be kept confidential?

Whatever you chose to contribute will be treated with confidentiality in any report or publications arising from the research and identifying information will not be made available to anyone outside of the group. All participants are urged to observe these same principles of confidentiality and not disclose each others personal information beyond the group.