How does engaging in meaningful occupation facilitate the experience and expression of belonging in young people with profound and multiple learning d

People with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) are amongst the most marginalised in
society. This exclusion is perpetuated in policy and research where their voices are described as missing,
or in some cases silenced. Understanding the perspectives of young people with PMLD particularly has
been identified as a priority for research. This study aims to address this by working collaboratively with
two young people with PMLD to establish an understanding of the relationship between engaging in
meaningful occupations and the experience of belonging.
A qualitative, longitudinal, ethnographic case study methodology will be adopted. Data will be collected
iteratively over the course of a year. A plurality of voices will likely be needed to articulate the life-world
of the young person and participant recruitment will be widened to include the person with disabilities
themselves and their support networks, creating 'research collectives'.
In-depth participant observation will be complemented by the participatory research method
'Photovoice'. Additionally, alongside sensitive consideration of the ethics involved, data will be collected
via body-cameras worn by the participants with PMLD.
The multimodal nature of the data will necessitate a systematic approach to analysis. An iterative
thematic analysis process will be applied which will alternate between emergent readings of the data and
reflexive use of relevant models and theories. Findings from this study will influence the standards of
care for people with PMLD, develop the evidence base for occupational therapy and challenge the
exclusion of those with the most profound disabilities from research.