Disability Visibility: Qualitative Methods, Online Archives, and Advocacy

• In Event: Critical Qualitative Research, Disability, and Community: Seeking a Disability Justice Framework for Qualitative Inquiry

Abstract

This paper traces the history of the Disability Visibility Project® (DVP), a community partnership with StoryCorps and an online community dedicated to creating, sharing, and amplifying disability media and culture and outline their research practices and activities. As the current Founder and Director of the Disability Visability Project, with academic education in medical sociology with a focus on qualitative methods, I trace my understanding of grounded theory and how I use these skills in my own life as a media maker and disabled activist. Within this paper, I consider the following three aspects of DVP. First, I discuss the online archives, specifically the work and process of collecting, publishing, and sharing oral histories collected by the DVP. For instance, I provide an in-depth consideration of the process of documenting online activism and conversations from Twitter chats using Wakelet. The value of this kind of data for the disability community and academics is considered. Second, I provide thematic summaries; that is, I offer a loose variation of grounded theory and describe the process of analyzing qualitative data, such as online surveys and interviews for advocacy purposes. There are two cases in particular that I focus upon: 1) a 2016 survey of disabled people of color conducted with Vilissa K. Thompson (community-driven via social media), and 2) an online survey for ILMxLAB (Lucasfilm's Immersive Entertainment division) on virtual reality accessibility in the author’s capacity as a research consultant. In both of these cases, coding provided a useful analytic tool in developing major themes that indicate issues that need addressing and future directions in advocacy. These issues where then taken up by a disabled activist, highlight the possibilities of pursuing community-engaged qualitative inquiry. Third, I consider the resources and tools that are needed to facilitate training on qualitative research for community scholars and those within communities focused on disability activism. I offer considerations for generating partnerships between qualitative methodologists in the academy and disabled community scholars and activists. Finally, I urge the advancement of qualitative methods and methodologies through the innovative possibilities that are particularly generated within disability, grassroots movements.

Author

• Alice Wong, Disability Visibility Project