Ms Jermy Pang1, Ms Naomi Clarry2, Ms Elina Passant2, Dr David Allen3, Prof Nerina Scarinci1
1School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, St Lucia, The University Of Queensland, Meanjin, Australia, 2Living Experience Advisor, Gadigal Country/Gimuy Country, Australia, 3Department of Linguistics, Wallumattagal Campus, Macquarie University, Dharug Country, Australia
Biography:
TBC
Abstract
Background: Young people who are deaf/hard of hearing are frequently recruited as research participants. Often referred to as a ‘vulnerable population’ or ‘hard to reach’, young deaf/hard of hearing people are underrepresented as co-researchers and collaborators in audiological research. This presentation continues the dialogue on co-design that was started at the previous Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Conference in 2023.
Aim and Method: Using the Childhood Hearing healthcare to Adult Pathways Transition: Experiences, expectations vs. Reality (CHAPTER) Study, we explore the approach we have taken to meaningfully engage young experts by experience in every part of the research process: co-designing the research question, research materials, co-producing the data collection methods, analysing the research data, and finally arriving at this presentation – together.
Conclusion: The reality of the partnership we experienced has been viable, engaging, and valuable. Meaningful collaboration invites the research community to reconceptualise and enhance the way we research with young people in a manner that is reciprocal and capacity-building. Like anything in life, it is not without its individual challenges, co-producing research with young people can empower the very members of the young deaf/hard of hearing community that our collective research ultimately aims to serve.