Learning Disabilities Research Group
Research that makes a difference for people with learning disabilities.
About the group
The Learning Disabilities Research Group, also known as the Yellow Tulip Group, focuses on the health and social care needs of people with learning disabilities (known internationally as intellectual disabilities). The group is co-chaired by Professor Irene Tuffrey-Wijne and Richard Keagan-Bull, a researcher with learning disabilities.
This group is committed to conducting meaningful research that includes people with learning disabilities and supports their voices in shaping health and social care practices.
What we do
Our work is guided by the principle that research must be relevant to people with learning disabilities, their families and carers. We prioritise:
- Inclusive research: Actively involving researchers and advisers with learning disabilities.
- Collaborative ideas: Sharing research experiences and supporting each other.
- Accessibility: Making academic discussions easy for everyone to join.
Our expertise includes research on:
- Death, dying and bereavement
- Communication and life transitions
- Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) in research.
What we offer
The group provides:
- High-quality research projects with national and international impact
- Access to expertise in inclusive learning disability research
- Regular opportunities to share and develop ideas
- Monthly meetings and occasional webinars
- PhD supervision and research training for people with learning disabilities
- Support for Kingston’s Learning Disability Nursing program
Our community
We are proud to include researchers with diverse experiences, including:
- Experienced researchers and academics
- Junior researchers, students and PhD candidates
- Advisers and researchers with learning disabilities
Members
- Professor Irene Tuffrey-Wijne (CHAIR)
- Richard Keagan-Bull (CO-CHAIR)
- Dr Becky Anderson, Research Associate, Centre for Health and Social Care Research
- Richard Keagan, Bull, Research Assistant, HSSCE
- Jonathon Ding, Research Assistant, HSSCE
- Amanda Cresswell, Research Assistant, HSSCE
- Leon Jordan, Research Assistant, HSSCE
- Sarah Gibson, Research Associate, HSSCE
- Andrea Bruun, Research Associate, HSSCE
- Jo Giles, Research Assistant, HSSCE
- Tasha Marsland, Research Assistant, HSSC
- Sarah Helton, PhD student
- Mo Hakim
- Dan Newton
- Bernie Conway
- Carla Barrett
Sarah Helton
- Project title: How to ‘talk' about death, bereavement and grief with children/young people with intellectual disabilities - with particular reference to those who are non and pre-verbal
- Supervisors: Professors Irene Tuffrey-Wijne and Jayne Price
Get involved
Join us at our monthly meetings, open to anyone interested in learning disabilities research.
- When: Tuesdays, 12.00 – 13.00
- Where: Online via Zoom
Meetings include presentations, discussions, and Q&A sessions in an informal, accessible format.
Who’s welcome:
- Researchers with learning disabilities (and their support workers).
- Students, especially learning disability nursing students.
Get in contact
For more information, please email Professor Irene Tuffrey-Wijne.
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