ABSTRACT
This paper describes a life history research project with people with learning disabilities (mental handicap). I discuss the methods adopted for the research, and compare them with other approaches in life history research. I argue that because most people with learning disabilities have minimal literacy skills certain adaptations of method have to be made. These adaptations may have insights to offer other researchers because they highlight important and problematic issues: explaining the research, enabling people to ‘have a voice’, and offering feedback and a final say to research participants. Sally French1 suggests that improvements to the environment to give access to disabled people can be of benefit to all. Similarly, some of the issues raised in this research can inform life history research with a wide range of people.
