Learning disabled role is world first for academia

A journal has published an edition of articles which have been edited and peer reviewed by people with learning disabilities, in a first for academia anywhere in the world. A University of Manchester team of academics and people with learning disabilities worked together on the British Journal of Learning Disabilities edition, which is published this week. Team member Rohhss Chapman, says the project shows it is possible to make research into learning disability much more inclusive. And the work, she said, spurred a debate among the team into how inclusive much research involving people with learning disabilities really is. It also, she said, raised questions about the language learning disability researchers should use to make their work more accessible. Lou Townson, is one of five members of The University of Manchester team who has learning difficulties. Her parents were told by doctors she would never walk or talk, but has proved them wrong, planning to publish her autobiography next year.