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Co‐Researching the Past: School Memories of Adults With Learning Disabilities

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British Journal of Learning Disabilities

Published online on

Abstract

["British Journal of Learning Disabilities, Volume 54, Issue 1, Page 103-112, March 2026. ", "\nABSTRACT\n\nBackground and Aims\nWhile the retrospective reconstruction of school experiences by individuals with learning disabilities remains underexplored, this study examines how adults with learning disabilities remember and interpret their educational past.\n\n\nMethods\nEmploying an inclusive research approach, we collaborated with co‐researchers who have learning disabilities. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 33 participants (with mild, moderate, and severe learning disabilities) to collect detailed first‐person narratives of their educational journeys.\n\n\nResults\nParticipants recalled both positive and negative experiences. Positive memories included meaningful school activities and supportive relationships with peers and teachers. Negative recollections featured peer violence, social ostracism, exclusion, and neglect by educators.\n\n\nConclusion\nThe findings highlight critical implications for fostering inclusive education, underscoring the necessity of safer, more supportive school environments for students with learning disabilities.\n"]