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Using Photovoice to determine what brings joy to the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities
Thompson, Bryan Stephenson, Lauren Frye, Leah
Thompson, Bryan
Stephenson, Lauren
Frye, Leah
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Thompson_2025.pdf
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2025-04-11
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Thompson, B., Stephenson, L., & Frye, L. 2025. Using Photovoice to determine what brings joy to the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities. -- In Proceedings: 21st Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects. Wichita, KS: Wichita State University
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Photovoice is a type of art-based participatory action research that allows for the inclusion of disadvantaged or vulnerable groups as authentic participants (i.e., those who actively engage in a way that reflects their true selves and beliefs). This is an established research strategy that was developed for the purpose of allowing participants the opportunity to reflect and record their lived experiences through digital storytelling.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to afford a group of adults who had been diagnosed with an intellectual disability (ID) and participated in the AbilityPoint (AP) program (an agency in Wichita, KS that seeks to empower individuals with ID) the opportunity to take photos that would answer the research question, “What brings joy to your daily life?”
METHOD: Adults who participate with AP may choose to take part in their self-advocate program. For this study, AP self-advocates were invited to attend an informational / recruitment meeting to learn about the Photovoice “Joy” project. Eighteen participants, who had all been previously diagnosed with an intellectual disability and were over 18 years of age, were recruited. Each person was provided with a digital point and shoot camera and trained to use it. They were instructed to take at least 50 pictures of people, places, and/or things that brought them joy. After three weeks, researchers met with the participants individually so that they could share their pictures and discuss how the items they had digitally recorded brought them joy. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Statements were matched to the corresponding picture.
RESULTS: Data sources included photos submitted by the participants, individual interviews, and participant check backs. Data were analyzed using techniques of thematic analysis. Initial ideas were coded for topics and patterns with special attention given to what (i.e., person, place, thing, animal) and why (values and meanings) these data represented what brought the participants joy. Codes were reviewed, categorized, and developed into themes. Participants described the things that brought them joy in terms of: (1) close relationships experienced with their family, friends, animals, and faith, (2) being/feeling celebrated, (3) having access to the community, and (4) feeling comforted and/or comfortable.
CONCLUSION: It can be difficult for individuals with ID to discuss lived experiences. This study demonstrated the feasibility of using Photovoice with adults with ID to recover, document, and share information that represents their personal perspective about what brings them joy. Participants demonstrated a sense of pride and accomplishment as authentic research participants. Photovoice may provide programs who work with adults with ID insight into what brings joy to their consumers as they consider developing and/or modifying existing programs.
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Description
Presented to the 21st Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Rhatigan Student Center, Wichita State University, April 11, 2025.
Research completed in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Health Professions.
Research completed in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Health Professions.
Publisher
Wichita State University
Journal
Book Title
Series
GRASP
v. 21
v. 21