Introduction

This chapter begins by considering what minimally speaking might mean. It includes an introduction to the inquiry taking place in 2001 that forms the basis of the book, how the terminology around ‘learning disability’ is used in the book and how the book aims to frame the story using a critical disability perspective. The context of the community home where the inquiry took place is explained briefly. Participatory action research is introduced alongside the concept of ‘voice’ in research. The chapter then includes a discussion of barriers to involving non-speaking people meaningfully when other participants, such as music therapists and professional carers, hold more power. The chapter ends by identifying the first research question, the overall research objectives and a reflexive exploration of the author’s position as a researcher and music therapist.