This carefully involves recognizing the multifaceted nature of the disability and understanding that the impact of research may vary across different subgroups within the disabled community. It requires sensitivity to the historical, cultural, and socio-economic contexts that shape the experiences of individuals with disabilities.

As researchers, we must learn to go beyond a simplistic evaluation of outcomes and delve into the nitty-gritty of how our work contributes to the larger narrative of disability inclusion. Assessing long-term impact also demands an awareness of the potential unintended consequences of the research.

We must consider how our findings might be interpreted, applied, or misused in different contexts. This perspective ensures that the research contributes positively to the lives of individuals with disabilities without reinforcing stereotypes, stigmas, or marginalization.

Impact assessments serve as a tool for accountability. We could transparently demonstrate how the research has contributed to positive change, informed policy development, or shifted societal attitudes. This accountability is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the research process and ensuring that the goals of promoting emerging arts and humanities research agendas in disability and inclusion are met. - Racheal Inegbedion.

·         Shifting the narrative towards understanding disability within the context of social inequalities prevalent in the global south.

·         Prioritizing the voices and perspectives of disabled individuals and communities in the south, challenging dominant narratives and promoting self-representation.

·         Examining how disability intersects with other forms of marginalization like race, class, gender, and sexuality, creating a nuanced understanding of lived experiences.

2.      Rethinking Disability and Development:

·         Disability and the Sustainable Development Goals (sdgs): Exploring how the sdgs can be made truly inclusive for disabled people, addressing specific challenges and promoting their participation in development processes.

·         Investigate the disproportionate impact of climate change on disabled communities in the south, advocating for inclusive solutions.

·         Analyze the barriers faced by disabled individuals in accessing employment and livelihoods, promoting inclusive economic policies and initiatives.

·         Analyze how development projects can unintentionally exclude or harm people with disabilities.

·         Develop relevant strategies for integrating disability into all development goals.

·         Focus on community-driven solutions: Empower communities with disabilities to lead and participate in development initiatives.

3.      Arts and Humanities as Tools for Inclusion:

·         Utilize storytelling, performance, and other artistic expressions in Amplifying the voices and experiences of people with disabilities in the global south.

·         Analyze the role of art in disability activism and social change.

·         Examine how art forms in the south portray disability,.

·         Accessible arts and cultural practices: Developing and promoting accessible arts and cultural experiences for disabled people, fostering participation and creative expression.

·         Disability and storytelling: Utilizing storytelling and narrative forms to share the experiences of disabled people in the south, raising awareness and promoting empathy.

4.      Accessible Technologies & Communication:

·         Develop appropriate assistive technologies: Consider language, affordability, and accessibility in designing technologies for diverse needs.

·         Promote digital inclusion for people with disabilities: Address the digital divide and ensure equitable access to information and communication technologies.

·         Accessibility of technology and information: Researching and advocating for accessible digital technologies and information for disabled people in the south, addressing infrastructure challenges and promoting digital literacy.

·         Disability and social media: Investigating the role of social media in empowering disabled communities in the south, promoting online activism and advocacy.

·         Digital storytelling and disability: Exploring how digital platforms can be used by disabled people in the south to share their stories and experiences, fostering connection and community building.

Gaps in Research:

        i.            Limited data and research on disability in the global south: More research is needed to understand the specific needs and experiences of disabled people in different regions and contexts.

      ii.            Lack of funding and resources for disability research: Increased funding and support are needed to attract and retain researchers and build research capacity in the south.

    iii.            Limited collaboration and knowledge exchange: There is a need for stronger collaboration between researchers, disabled communities, and policymakers to ensure research is relevant and impactful.

    iv.            Lack of accessible research methodologies: Develop inclusive research methods that are culturally appropriate and accessible for people with disabilities.

      v.            Weak data and knowledge gaps: Address the lack of data on disability in many countries and the need for culturally relevant research tools.

    vi.            Disconnect between research and policy: Ensure that research findings inform policy decisions and lead to meaningful change.

From a process perspective, several key elements need to be considered when crafting future research agendas in the global south, particularly in the area of disability and inclusion:

1.      Inclusivity and Participation:

·         Ensure meaningful participation of disabled communities, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners throughout the entire research process, from agenda setting to dissemination of findings.

·         Prioritize research topics and methodologies that are driven by the needs and priorities of disabled communities themselves.

·         Involve researchers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to create a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of disability and inclusion.

2.      Capacity Building and Collaboration:

·         Develop and strengthen research capacity in the global south by providing funding, training, and resources to researchers and institutions.

·         Encourage collaboration between researchers, practitioners, and communities from different disciplines and sectors to address complex challenges.

·         Facilitate the sharing of research findings and best practices through open access platforms, regional networks, and South-South knowledge exchange initiatives.

3.      Ethical Considerations:

·         Ensure that research is conducted ethically and respectfully, following relevant guidelines and principles, and with the informed consent of participants.

·         Pay particular attention to the ethical considerations of research involving marginalized groups within the disabled community, such as children, women, and people with intellectual disabilities.

·         Ensure that disabled communities have control over their data and how it is used, promoting data sovereignty and preventing exploitation.

4.      Sustainability and Impact:

·         Focus on research that is solution-oriented and informs policies, programs, and interventions that can improve the lives of disabled people in the global south.

·         Effectively communicate research findings to policymakers, practitioners, and the wider public to raise awareness and advocate for change.

·         Implement mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the impact of research and ensure that it is making a positive difference on the ground.