At the Rix Inclusive Research Institute, members of our team, Ajay, Kiran, Ros, and Baljit, supported by Kanchan and Gosia, recently took a deep dive into a shocking paper by Prof. Jonathan Rix, published in the British Journal of Learning Disabilities.
Jonathan Rix’s insights into the derogatory use of terms like moron, idiot, and imbecile in media narratives sparked an intense discussion amongst us. Shocked to learn that such outdated and offensive terms are still prevalent, we resolved to address this critical issue head-on.
In our quest to delve deeper into these findings, we spoke with Dr Abigail Croydon from the University of Southampton – see video below.
This conversation further illuminated the pervasive nature of such language in the media and its damaging impact on the dignity of people with learning disabilities.
Motivated by our discussion, we invited Jonathan Rix to a LinkedIn Live session where Ajay and Ros asked him about practical steps we can take to combat these harmful stereotypes. His insights were invaluable, guiding us towards initiating a focused campaign aimed at eliminating such language from media discourse.
We are now vigilant. We monitor media outlets and we are prepared to write to publishers whenever we encounter these disparaging words. Our message is clear: these terms, historically used to marginalise and insult people with learning disabilities, have no place in today’s society. It’s time for change, and we are committed to making this change happen.
Ros poignantly captured how we all felt by saying, “Label jars, not people.” This simple yet powerful statement embodies our belief in the dignity of every individual and our commitment to fostering a more inclusive society.
We invite everyone to join us in this endeavour. Start by reading the insightful article and watching the easy-to-understand video accompanying it. Together, we can influence a shift towards more respectful and mindful language in the media, ensuring a more inclusive world for all.
Your awareness and action can make a significant difference. Let’s stand together against derogatory language and advocate for respect and inclusion in every aspect of society.
Written by Gosia Kwiatkowska
We are celebrating 20 years of Rix by hosting Hackathon20 at the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability on Friday 12 July 2024.
Our ambition is to work with business leaders, heads of services from the public sector and our co-researchers (a community of research experts with a lived experience of a learning difficulty) to identify 20 challenges people face in the health and wellbeing sector.
This event is funded and supported by the Centre for Wellbeing Community and Inclusion (CWCI) at the University of East London.
The Rix hackathon promises to be a fun, inclusive and solution-focused interactive workshop, where people from different walks of life and experiences work together to share their ideas and experiences to solve problems. Whilst some attendees will have a technical or developer background, this is not a prerequisite of attendance. Creativity, ambition and resilience are the order of the day.
Rix believes that some of the biggest challenges people face can be overcome with solutions that are closer to home than we thought possible. By exploring these solutions we can all contribute to a more inclusive society, where people’s lives are transformed, and businesses and orgnaisations deliver better, more efficient services.
The event will take place in the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability (RDCS), at the University of East London’s Docklands campus.
Date: Friday 12 July
Time: 10.30am to 5pm
Limited spaces available!
* Whilst there is no charge for this event, we kindly ask that you use the Eventbrite booking system to reserve your space. Refreshments and lunch can only be provided to those who have booked using this process. Booking via Eventbrite is also a requirement for UEL staff and students.
purpleSTARS were asked to share our inclusive research methods and sensory objects at the Newham Citizen Science Fair. Co-researchers Ajay Choksi, Samantha Walker, and Kate Allen exhibited some of the sensory museum labels we co-produced, inspired by objects in the British Museum’s Enlightenment Gallery.
People enjoyed experiencing our research, it was very enjoyable sharing ideas with young people!
Ajay Choksi, co-researcher
Samantha talks to a visitor about creating her sensory label for the Enlightenment Gallery
Our first design experiments creating a multi-sensory museum label used sound recordable cards. Each co-researcher chose an object from the museum collection and drew images, found sounds, textures etc to create a sensory experience of the item. From these beginnings we developed the sensory label creating laser cut wooden boxes with engraved drawings, smell chambers and micro controllers to trigger soundscapes.
At the Fair we offered visitors the opportunity to create a sensory museum label about something important to them, that they wanted to share with people in the future. Visitors were given a recordable card on which they could develop their ideas for a sensory label through drawing, text, and adding texture.
Visitors at Newham Science Fair creating sensory museum labels and playing smell bingo
Visitors also helped our research to create an easy-use, self-assembly DIY version of our sensory label by having a go at assembling a prototype of the DIY kit.
I enjoyed today helping the children at the science fair making the cards. It was fun.
Samantha Walker, co-researcher
Visitors testing ease of construction of easy use sensory labels
Science Fair attendees also engaged with some of our other action research methods, exploring the sense of smell through a game of smell bingo and telling a sensory story to be recorded for our Suitcase Stories.
Rainbow label, purpleSTARS Suitcase Stories, Suitcase Story passport stamp
We also displayed our smell research poster with a QR code for a 360 online exhibition, London is the Place for Me, developed from listening to oral histories of past Londoners, co-produced for the Museum of London. We are researching the potential of offering accompanying scents/smells for virtual exhibitions and museum displays, which led us to ask the question, “How does equality smell?”
Ajay helping visitors create sensory museum labels, and in the background our Smell Research poster
We met Des Blake, a Newham resident and member of The Hackney and Newham History Social Club.
In our recent collaboration with The National Archives, Natalie and Sarah from the Education Department visited our newly established office at the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability on January 30, 2024. Building on insights gathered from our previous trip, this feedback session sought to develop strategies to enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of the collections at The National Archives.
Co-researchers from Rix Inclusive Research, PurpleSTARs and staff from The National Archives after our session
In close collaboration with our co-researchers with lived experiences and purpleSTARS, this session explored alternatives to ensure that the museum exhibits cater to diverse sensory sensitivities. The discussions centred around creating an environment where historical artefacts and exhibits can be appreciated by everyone.
After our previous trip to The National Archives, we explored innovative ways to share items from the collection with sensory dimensions. Using materials such as coconut husks and old books, visitors could better understand historical artefacts with an interactive experience. Drawing inspiration from previous collaborations with museums, sensory boxes and virtual experiences were also explored as alternatives to the museum experience.
Seal replicas, made of clay and carved by each participant, at the end of the session
The incorporation of easy read materials, audio experiences and hands-on activities also emerged as key strategies to make historical information inclusive. We also tried our hands at designing our own seals, a replication of the historical seals shown at The National Archives. This hands-on activity not only provided active engagement with historical materials but also added a personal twist to the museum experience.
By including sensory experiences in the museum experience, we hope to make historical information accessible to a broader audience. We recognise the importance of empowering individuals through knowledge, especially for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
What we thought of the session
What was one important thing you learnt from the session?
After visiting the National Archives, I realised the importance of keeping the old collections safe. It provides us with an understanding of where things come from, who they belong to, who they are for, and what is their purpose.
There were lots of old collections such as old files, books and stamps that are important to understand history.
What was your favourite moment from the session?
My favourite moment is seeing and recreating the seal stamps, as it reminds of putting stamps on letters and leaving a signature.
I enjoyed creating my own seal with purpleSTARS, designing and incorporating the Wiki design into my seal.
Have you got any tips for The National Archives to make it more accessible?
A lot of the collections were hard to read because they were in a different language, so translation into English is needed.
Some of the old letters and files were also in different formats and handwriting, which made it challenging to read. Having an easy read version would make it more accessible for everyone.
What worked well about the session and what didn’t work so well?
The session worked well as we were able to come down to visit the old archives, which were kept safe and secure. There were staff members that showcased the collections, allowing us to get a better glimpse and understanding of the materials. This helped us with coming up with ways to improve the accessibility of the materials.
Racial equity remains a pressing challenge in the field of social work. As Social Workers strive to address systemic inequalities and uplift marginalised communities, it is crucial to examine the barriers that exist within the profession itself.
This workshop explored the intersection of racial equity and career progression in social work, uncovering the disparities faced by professionals of different nationalities and highlighting the importance of creating inclusive pathways for advancement.
By highlighting these disparities, our aim is not to perpetuate divisiveness but rather to promote awareness and action. It is only through acknowledging and addressing these inequities that we can work towards a more just and inclusive social work profession. Students had the opportunity to critically examine their own biases, assumptions, and privileges. This self-reflection enabled every social work student to recognise and challenge any implicit biases they may hold, fostering personal growth and a commitment to anti-racist values and actions.
Planning and preparation
The Racial Equity and Career Progression in Social Work symposium brought together esteemed speakers who shared their expertise on various aspects of the topic.
Mark Wheeler – social work lead, BA course lead Racial Equity and Career Progression project with Northeast London Social Work Teaching Partnership
Paul Christian / Sue Ledger Black Lives Matter
Gwen Bryant – Practice Educator of the Year 2023 The power of language
Pharida Czarny – newly qualified Social Worker, UEL graduate A Roma perspective
Owen Gardner – Advisors in Mental Health Services (AIMHS) co-ordinator A lived experience and Family Group Conference coordinator perspective
The discussions centred around promoting diversity, equality, and inclusivity within social work, with a specific focus on addressing racial disparities and systemic racism. The speakers emphasised the need for social workers to reflect on their practice and advocate for marginalised communities. They highlighted the power of language in shaping perceptions and interactions, advocating for the use of inclusive and empowering language in social work. The speakers also shed light on the unique challenges faced by specific communities, such as the Roma community, and the importance of cultural competence in providing effective and equitable social work services.
Reflections of a Social Worker
About us
For Stephanie and I (Elizabeth), taking the initiative to organise an event focused on combating racism made us feel empowered which came with a sense of responsibility. We also took into consideration creating a safe and inclusive space where participants can engage in meaningful discussions and learn from each other.
We realised that organising any event can be nerve-wracking, and an anti-racism event is no exception. We felt anxious about logistical aspects, such as planning the timeline of the speakers and ensuring that the event runs smoothly.
Despite these challenges, we found this to be an amazing opportunity to explore and expand our skills. The event provided an opportunity to engage in dialogues, raise awareness, and build connections with others who shared our commitment to combating racism. We believe in the power of education and collective action to bring about positive change.
Feedback from the day
I attended the workshop regarding racial equality and career progression in social work. I would like to say that it was very insightful to see the amount of work that had gone into the day, I was amazed by how we were incorporated into the day and able to ask questions to the presenters. Also able to speak to the outside practitioners involved in the session.
Nicola W, social work student level 5
The event provided me with eye-opening insights into the various dimensions of racism. The diverse range of speakers and topics covered broadened my understanding of the complexities surrounding racial issues.
Izabela I, social work student, level 5
It was a positive experience to hear the perspectives of individuals with varied learning styles and needs, as well as those with diverse life experiences. For instance, the practice educator who communicated through sign language, or Paul, conducting research on the Black Lives Matter movement. It was informative and also enlightening.
Nola, social work student level 5
I very much enjoyed the event. It was very well structured with a diverse range of speakers, speaking about different topics. It heightened my development awareness of anti-racist practice and how it can have an impact on me as well as service users/PWLE. Looking forward to the next event.
Sammi, social work student level 5
Attending the Racial Equity and Career Progression in Social Work workshop was an enlightening and transforming experience. I enjoyed being part of something so important and it felt amazing to be able to put my skills to use and even learn new ones. I was nervous at first, especially about talking in front of the public but I soon found everyone to be welcoming and warm, and I forgot all about my nerves.
Gaining knowledge from the speakers helped to enhance comprehension of the complex problems individuals encounter in their social work professions because of racial inequalities. This experience highlighted the importance of pushing for and putting into action concrete changes within the field to encourage diversity, break down structural obstacles, and support fair career possibilities for all social workers. Overall, this event reinforced my commitment to improving racial fairness in social work and spurred continued efforts toward genuine change. Elizabeth J, organiser and presenter, social work student level 5
As a social work student, advocating for racial equity in our field is of utmost importance, and this workshop provided me with the tools and knowledge to better understand and address systemic racism within our profession. As one of the organisers of the event, I felt a great sense of responsibility to ensure that the event ran smoothly and that all participants felt heard and valued. This required careful planning, communication, and coordination with my colleagues to ensure that the content was relevant and engaging for all attendees.
The discussions and perspectives shared by the diverse group of participants further enriched my understanding of the intersection of race, career progression, and social work. Hearing the personal stories and struggles of my peers illuminated the need for continued advocacy and support for marginalized communities within our profession. It sparked important conversations and raised awareness about the need for continued efforts to address racial disparities and promote inclusivity in the workplace. Overall, this workshop was a valuable and transformative experience that has motivated me to continue working towards a more just and equitable social work field for all. Stephanie P, organiser and presenter, social work student level 5
We can’t emphasise enough how important it is as social work students to be proactive and mobilise for change. We need to keep organising anti-racism workshops, foster safe spaces for dialogue, and advocate for diversity training in our programs. Together, we can challenge systemic racism, amplify marginalised voices, and promote equity in our practice and society.
Written by Elizabeth Junghietoru and Stephanie Powell
The Rix Inclusive Research Team and purpleSTARS had a terrific start to 2024 and on Wednesday 10 January we were invited to visit The National Archives in Kew, London.
Inclusive Research Team: Kate Allen, Rufaro Asuquo, Ajay Choksi, Kiran Dillon, Baljit Kaur, Kanchan Kerai, Gosia Kwiatkowska, Lee Phillips, Samantha Walker.
Left – Samantha, Ajay, Rufaro, Lee, and Kanchan examine a book being shown by Sarah from The National Archives. Right – Rachel from The National Archives and Baljit feel the pages of an old book from the archive while Gosia takes notes of the sensory experience.
The purpose of the visit was to provide our expertise and help the National Archives team to explore how sensory experiences can be used to engage with and understand the materiality of their archival collections/objects.
On arrival, we were met by Sarah Petter, Senior Engagement Manager, Collection Care, Rachel Hillman, Deputy Head of Education and Outreach, Kathryn Collins, Families and Young People’s Programme Officer and Natalie Brown, Head of Audiences, Collection Care. Everyone was very excited to see the collection of objects they had for us to explore.
Our favourite items were journals and very old notebooks that were written on different types of parchment from over 700 years ago. We recorded which senses we used during our exploration of the different documents and objects.
They looked very old; some books were huge.
The colour of the paper was like coffee.
The writing was too small to read and in Latin or in old-fashioned writing.
They looked like Shakespeare’s notebooks!
The pages felt smooth and soft.
The covers felt rougher.
Some pages felt heavy some bumpy changed by water damage.
Other pages and documents felt very delicate.
They smelt like old newspapers to some of us.
Some of us described the smell as old wood.
A bit musty, mouldy, hint of vanilla.
The smell of books and libraries.
One book smelt like Sherlock Holmes!
The pages turning sounded like leaves rustling, some of us thought it sounded crispy.
Soft quiet library sounds of book pages carefully being turned.
Sound of unsticking very old pages.
Parchment is a writing material made from specially prepared animal skin, usually, cow, sheep, goat or calf. We learnt that the process to make parchment is a long and smelly one.
We learnt that some books were made from tree bark that was cheaper than parchment and led to the term ‘Pulp Fiction’. These books were the smelliest, and we learnt the smell was caused by the ‘lignin’ in tree bark, and that the smell was an indication that the book was decaying.
We also enjoyed looking and touching the collection of wax seals and their plaster moulds. They were very intricate and elaborate in their designs, and some of them were very big and heavy! We wondered how such heavy seals could be attached to documents and not break. We also discussed what symbols we would design for our own seals.
Sarah from The National Archives presenting wax seal moulds for Kiran to touch.Wax seals we explored during our visit to The National Archives.
A seal is a piece of wax that has a unique and personalised design stamped into it. It is attached to a document to guarantee its authenticity.
We also looked at other objects, for example microfilms that are being preserved by the National Archives. Unfortunately, they are very difficult to preserve, and they degrade. They have a distinctive smell – they smell like ‘fish, they smell like a bad fish’ – said Kiran. Baljit also thought that the smell was unpleasant. ‘They smell like rubbish’ she said. Rufaro felt that the microfilms smelled like ‘fish and chips with vinegar and that makes me hungry’.
Left – Kiran smelling old microfilms. Right – Caribbean revolution – reconstructed bag in a box.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the visit. We are certain that people with a lived experience of disability, learning difference, and the wider community will benefit from being given the opportunity to access The National Archives documents and objects through sensory exploration.
We look forward to presenting our feedback and building a partnership with The National Archives in future research endeavours.
Video documentation from visit: Smelling books
Video documentation from visit: Touching wax seals
The National Archive
The National Archive is the official archive and publisher for the UK Government for England and Wales.
They have documents they look after that are over a thousand years old.
On Wednesday 6 December 2023 we celebrated the launch of the new Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability, situated on the site of the old Knowledge Dock building on UEL’s Docklands campus.
The new centre is described as a space for co-creation and collaboration.
The Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability (RDCS) is the regional hatchery for innovation, skills and enterprise supporting a more sustainable and resilient future for businesses, students and residents in the Royal Docks area. The Centre embeds a culture of sustainability in everything we do with a commitment to support underrepresented groups and drive engagement between the University, east London and the world.
The Rix Inclusive Research team, including several of our co-researchers and social work students, spent a few hours in this impressive and beautifully designed space with its cluster of workshops and offices. The entertainment was provided by a jazz quartet at the far end of the foyer, more or less where the old Rix office used to be. We got to hang out in our new office for the first time and also had a stall in the main foyer area. We answered questions, chatted to people about our research and displayed a giant wind ball, inviting visitors to activate the QR codes on its panels to find out more about the work we do.
Clockwise from top left: RDCS, photo fun, Rix team minus Gosia, Baljit checking out the Changing Places facility
The inclusion of a Changing Places facility in the RDCS is a game changer for Rix. It aligns perfectly with our mission of inclusion, is situated right next door to our office, and will enable all our co-researchers with lived experience of disability to spend more time with us when collaborating on projects.
We are also excited at the prospect of forging new research partnerships with other groups and individuals based in the RDCS and we are confident that we will find opportunities to connect in this environment of innovation, co-creation and inclusivity.
Co-researchers Baljit, Ros and Rufaro joined a 3D printing workshop at the event
We look forward to seeing you at the RDCS very soon. If you’ve visited Rix before, just head for the same place and admire the transformation!
Gwen Bryan was one of five finalists in the Practice Educator of the Year category for Social Worker of the Year 2023 and at a special awards ceremony in London on Friday 3 November she struck Gold!
Supported by The British Association of Social Workers (BASW), the Practice Educator of the Year award is for social workers who are involved in mentoring and supervising students and newly qualified social workers. Finalists have been selected for showing how they have successfully coached and mentored students to develop their skills in social work.
Gwen was nominated for this award by UEL colleague Gosia Kwiatkowska, senior lecturer and director of Rix Inclusive Research. Gosia and Gwen were invited to the awards ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel where Gwen went on to win the Gold Award for Practice Educator of the Year, a fantastic achievement.
Gosia and Gwen at the Social Worker of the Year Awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel
Here is Gwen’s Gold Award commendation.
With unique perspective and extensive experience, Gwen is considered to be someone who empowers others, encourages growth and development, and is always nurturing those around her to help them achieve to the best of their ability.
A black British woman with disabilities, she is said to create ‘remarkable’ impact on students, and to be particularly effective at helping others navigate bias or challenge.
Ever the proactive educator, she has invested significant time in weekly supervisions and facilitated mini seminars to help students talk in amore open forum about issues around the ethics of social work.
Her dynamic and engaged approach has also been shown in how she organised an educational outing to the Royal Court of Justice, where students had the privilege of observing test cases and engaging in post-observation discussions.
Students refer to her ‘inspirational qualities’ and say they draw huge benefit and reassurance from her honest and tough feedback, her sound support and guidance, and her constant desire to help others aspire for excellence in the world of social work.
Colleagues say what sets Gwen apart is her ‘relentless pursuit of innovative methods to engage and empower students.’
She is considered selfless, exceptionally committed, empathetic, and an extraordinary practice educator.
Gwen receives her Gold Award for Practice Educator of the Year
This year we received the most entries ever which goes to show organisations and individuals are keen to shine a light on the inspirational achievements of an often-overlooked profession. Peter Hay CBE,
On Tuesday 31 October, purpleSTARS gave an insightful and inspiring presentation to 30+ University College London (UCL) masters students who will be involved in the delivery of health and social care in the future.
Every year since 2021, purpleSTARS have been invited to present and share our lived experiences and our projects – how we carry out our sensory objects action research – to UCL students in the Creative Health MASc course, as part of the lived experience in policy, practice, and research module. As always, we were thrilled to be invited again, this time to their new campus, UCL East, based in Stratford, East London.
In our unique purpleSTARS way, we spoke about our past projects and our current Mindsets + Missions project with Amgueddfa Cymru/Museum Wales and Innovate Trust, Newid Byd | Something New. We spoke about the importance of making museum and cultural experiences inclusive and accessible.
The students particularly enjoyed our demonstration of how objects, and engaging the five senses, can bring about more engaging experiences.
Samantha’s sensory label for a shell you could not touch in the Enlightenment Gallery at the British Museum, and a visitor smelling the scent of the sea in her sensory label. Photo Credit Orson Nava
An unexpected and welcome highlight was the homemade chocolate apples and lemon drizzle cake that the students had made for us to enjoy at the end of our presentation, as we talked about different ideas and played smell bingo!
UCL MASc students listening to purpleSTARS presentation
I’ve learned that there are other ways to incorporate inclusivity into different spaces that are usually not inclusive, like museums or libraries, and that it does require some creativity, and community as well.
UCL masters student
All of us enjoyed the afternoon as we love telling everyone about our work, but more importantly, because the Creative Health MASc is the first course of its kind. This presents us with a great opportunity to impart our knowledge, share our lived experiences and inclusive research expertise, and highlight the positive impact that access to arts and cultural activities has. We realise our shared experience will influence a new generation of socially engaged practitioners who will pioneer services to meet the changing needs of health and social care.
Student feedback videos
What is Creative Health
Creative Health uses creative approaches and activities to promote health and wellbeing.
Activities can include visual and performing arts, crafts, film, literature, cooking, and creative activities in nature, such as gardening.
Current research shows that participating regularly in activities to do with arts, culture, and creativity is beneficial for everyone’s health and wellbeing.
Alongside modern medicine, the use of creative health activities and approaches can help individuals manage long-term conditions, improve mental health, promote healthy aging, and address health inequalities, by also reducing pressure on health and social care services.
Why is Creative Health important?
Over recent years there has been a greater understanding of the beneficial impact that arts, culture, and creativity can have on our health and wellbeing. This has led to innovative approaches such as social prescribing. Championed by advancements in research, the World Health Organisation, Arts Councils, and the UK Government, through the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health, and Wellbeing, produced the report, Creative Health: The Arts for Health and Wellbeing
There has been a shift within the NHS and in social care in recognising the importance that creative health has in supporting health and wellbeing on an individual level as well as on a community and society level.
Written by Kanchan Kerai, Kate Allen Pictures and videos by Ajay Choksi
The purpleSTARS are excited to announce that they will be working on a new project with Amgueddfa Cymru | Museum Wales and Innovate Trust.
This is great news for purpleSTARS, as we were involved in collecting ideas for the project proposal that was ultimately submitted.
We are excited to be one of only 12 projects chosen for Mindset + Missions, a new programme to support museums and science centres to engage underrepresented groups through knowledge, research, and innovation.
The name of the project in Welsh is Newid Byd – in English, this means Something New.
We will be working alongside people from the learning disability community in Wales, and Innovate Trust supported members. Some of these participants will be employed as paid members of the project team, a key principle in our inclusive research model.
Audience at purpleSTARS sensory exhibition, London is the Place for me, 2021 Photo Credit: Orson Nava at the Museum of London
It is important to us that people with lived experience of learning disability have the opportunity to showcase their history and experiences and share their stories through objects, sound, video, photography, audio and smell.
The experience and history of disability remains significantly underrepresented or misinterpreted by cultural and heritage institutions in the UK (RCMG/National Trust, 2023). In Wales, where this project will take place, a recent report found that only 14% of people with a disability had visited one of the Amgueddfa Cymru | Museum Wales sites (Richie Turner Associates, 2021).
Through a series of media and arts-based creative workshops at St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff, we will co-create an interactive, sustainable, accessible display that shows and shares the learning disability communities’ experiences in Welsh cultural heritage.
The final display will be showcased at the St Fagans Life is…gallery in July 2024, at the end of the project.
Watch this space for further updates about this project.
Life is… gallery exhibits people’s everyday lives, across a thousand generations. People’s stories are told through their own words, wherever possible, and through the objects they treasured.
Innovate Trust is a charity based in Wales which supports people with learning disabilities to live independent, active and valued lives within the community.
The Mindset + Missions programme is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).
For educational researchers the BERA Annual Conference is an important date in their professional year. It provides the opportunity to network, share ideas and learn about different research projects.
On Wednesday 13 September a group of UEL colleagues attended this year’s BERA (British Educational Resource Association) conference in Birmingham having been invited to run a workshop on the theme of inclusive research.
Gosia and Ajay from the Rix Inclusive Research Institute were joined by UEL colleagues, Paul Watts (Bio-Sciences) and Janet Hoskin (Education), and UEL students, Radhika Upadhyay and Emma Tapley. They have been working together, alongside Rix co-researchers, on the ELISA project researching digital financial inclusion. ELISA stands for East London Impact Scholar Award.
Paul, Janet, Emma, Radhika, Ajay and Gosia
The ELISA project has brought together academics, students and people with learning disabilities to research the cashless society and its associated challenges for the digitally excluded. The research methods used by Rix allow for all abilities and ensure that everyone can take part and is valued as a co-researcher. Moreover, linking research with coursework helps students learn about inclusion and reasonable adjustments.
The ELISA project wiki is an accessible multimedia project plan that helps co-researchers with understanding and recall. The wiki can be used for presentations and also functions as an engaging representation of research methods.
Comments from UEL participants
Inclusive research is the cornerstone of our Rix Inclusive Research Institute where every voice matters, regardless of the challenges one faces. It is a powerful beacon illuminating the path towards understanding, empathy, and progress. In the workshop, ‘Conducting Inclusive Research with People with Learning Disabilities and HE Students’, we celebrated the essence of inclusivity, recognising that embracing diverse perspectives enriches our knowledge. Inclusivity in research removes barriers, ensuring that the invaluable insights of individuals with learning disabilities are not only heard but also respected and acted upon. It acknowledges the inherent worth of every individual, fostering an environment where differences are not just tolerated but cherished and celebrated.
During our interactive sessions, we delved into innovative ideas and methodologies, exploring collaborative approaches that bridge the gap between academia and lived experience. From co-designing research frameworks to employing adaptive technologies such as Rix Multi Me software, the workshop was full of ideas and lively discussions. We recognised that empowering individuals with learning disabilities and engaging them as active participants in research processes not only amplifies their voices but also leads to more nuanced and holistic outcomes.
Gosia Kwiatkowska, Rix Director and Senior Lecturer
The BERA Conference is a key education research event in the academic year, and it was fantastic to share our inclusive research about digital financial inclusion with other academics and practitioners from across the UK. It was fabulous to hear our students and one of our co-researchers with a learning disability share their experience of the project with an academic audience, as well as talk about our research findings. It is so important to create discussion within the academy about the necessity of including people with lived experience of disability in the research process.
Dr Janet Hoskin, Associate Professor of Education, UEL
As public health academics, we often talk about the importance of inclusive research. However, opportunities to conduct this type of research are rare, so I welcomed the opportunity to involve myself and students in this research with people with learning disabilities. As well as the inclusive research process being important, the topic of digital financial inclusion is also highly relevant to public health given what is known about the relationship between finances, independence, and health.
Paul Watts, Senior Lecturer in Public Health, UEL
Thank you Rix Centre for providing a wonderful opportunity to present at a national conference. Taking part in this research project helped me to see Public Health in the real world. Hearing different experts’ opinions on digital finance, and the challenges ahead if we are to make this more inclusive, was incredibly interesting and enlightening.
Dr Radhika Upadhyay, MSc Public Health student
I am passionate about accessibility and digital inclusion and was excited about the oppoprtunity to speak at the BERA conference in Birmingham. I spoke about running inclusive research workshops and using the ELISA project Wiki to keep a record of everything and share resources.
Ajay Choksi, Rix Technical & Research Assistant, WIKI Master
At its core, inclusive research is a testament to our commitment to equality, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of a world where everyone’s story is acknowledged and valued. By involving people with lived experiences in research, we not only honour their narratives but also pave the way for a future built on empathy, understanding, and a profound respect for the dignity of every human being.
After several weeks of extensive development and testing, we’re excited to announce the arrival of Rix Wiki 3.0!
We’ve done a lot of work behind the scenes with our partners at Multi Me to integrate the Rix Wiki into the Multi Me environment and the latest upgrade of our software comes with a significant speed boost, along with several new features.
Wiki Master Ajay Choksi shows students the new look Rix Wiki
More personalisation
Choose from six colour themes to reflect your own style. We will be adding more colours soon. You can also remove the sub-heading if you do not need one.
Easier to use
Easily create new sub-sections in your Wiki, move slides between Wiki sections, share access links, and manage permissions.
More media
You can now record audio directly into your Wiki, no need to use audio software or other sound recording equipment. You can also store and re-use your different media in the My Media folder.
You can now record audio straight into your Wiki
You can find user guides for the new look Wiki in our knowledge base, accessible via the blue chat button on your Wiki.
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Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
