In our 1^st study, we did group interviews (focus groups) with adults with an intellectual disability, friends and family members of adults with an intellectual disability, and professionals who provide disability services.

We heard people’s opinions on some of the good and bad things that can happen from participating in research. We also heard about ways to keep adults with an intellectual disability safe when they are in research studies.

In our 2^nd study, we worked with an Expert Panel to create a survey. Expert Panel members included 15 people with different experiences:

1. Adults with an intellectual disability
2. Family and friends of an adult with an intellectual disability
3. Professionals who work with adults with an intellectual disability
4. Researchers who study adults with an intellectual disability
5. Members of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)

   

In our 3^rd study, over 500 people from all over the USA took our survey. People who took the survey included:

1. Adults with an intellectual disability                                                                         
2. Family and friends of an adult with an intellectual disability
3. Professionals who work with adults with an intellectual disability
4. Researchers who study adults with an intellectual disability
5. Members of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)

We asked people about their views on doing research with adults with an intellectual disability. We asked questions about good and bad things that can happen when adults with intellectual disabilities are part of research studies, and how to keep them safe.