Participatory Action Research with Disabled Adolescents in Nepal (PARDAN) to develop methods and materials to understand their experience of COVID-19

Ensuring that people with disabilities are not disproportionately affected by COVID-19 is a global health priority. Intersecting vulnerabilities of disability, low socio-economic status, marginalisation and age indicate that children and young people with disabilities (CYPDs) are likely to be uniquely affected by the pandemic. Yet, there has been limited research from low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) about the effect of the pandemic on CYPDs. In order to capture their experience, it is important that they participate in the design of tools and methods to collect data. CYPDs are rarely given opportunities to participate in research beyond the role of respondent because there is poor awareness about inclusive methods and exemplary research which promotes the role of children as active participants in the research process is needed. Our collaboration of University College London, Institute of Development Studies, Kathmandu University, and Diverse Patterns will develop methods and tools to increase the participation of CYPDs in research about their experiences of the pandemic in two rural areas of Nepal.