Musical preferences of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities: A participatory design with proxies

Background: Inclusive research advocates for the involvement of people with intellectual disabilities to be more than passive participants within the research process.

Methods: This study used a participatory design with proxies to consult with 13 people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities, on their musical preferences. Four instrumental listening tracks were created for consideration. The expected outcome was that people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities would contribute to the codesign and development of a Musical Play framework. The study took place in England.

Findings: Proxy reports suggested that elements of music such as the tempo, tonality and instrumentation influenced the participants' responses. Responses were mixed across all tracks, indicating that the musical preferences of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities are variable and individualised.

Conclusion: Further exploration of how people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities can contribute to inclusive research is recommended.