| Partnerships have been proposed as an empowering method of addressing a variety of disability-related issues in fields such as health, research, technology design, and policy development. However, people with disabilities remain frustrated by a lack of power sharing. This study examined the involvement of people with disabilities in community partnerships. In particular, the impact of social constructions of disability (medical, charity and independent living) and beliefs regarding knowledge were investigated. Dominant power structures and how they were internalized, accepted or challenged were also examined.; This study incorporated elements of both participatory action research and critical pedagogy. Two groups of multiple stakeholders were observed during their involvement in intensive 4.5 and 3-day workshops designed to explore and facilitate partnership development. Six participants from each of these workshops then engaged in an in-depth, semi-structured interview about their experience and ideas related to disability and partnership. Ten disability leaders involved in community partnerships across Canada were then brought together over a 4-day period to explore themes derived from the earlier interviews. Through creative methods including story telling, role play, and metaphor analysis, participants verified and elaborated upon these themes and tested their applicability within a variety of settings. These participants were involved in pre and post interviews and discussions were tape recorded.; People with disabilities reported that they felt their capacities and contributions were often devalued and that their full participation was systematically hampered by commonly held beliefs about expertise, communication and work. The act of representing people with disabilities in a partnership was described as challenging because of the diverse nature of the group and internalized discriminatory practices. Benefits of partnerships and suggestions for supporting them were also documented. Partnerships were found to frequently replicate elements of oppressive relationships and on occasion, foster the development of innovative collaborative relationships. Without challenging the dominant relations of power and beliefs that affect the interactions and outcomes of partnerships, people with disabilities may experience partnerships as oppression. This study suggests a need for all partners to develop a greater awareness of power, accept responsibility for reducing barriers, and work to create new ways of relating. |
