Research Ethics for All (RE4All) is an optional training available for Syracuse University researchers. This training resource can replace the CITI human research training modules when research involves engaging community research partners with developmental disabilities.
To begin Training: RE4All Website: Research Ethics for All (RE4All)
What is Research Ethics for All (RE4All)?
Research Ethics for All (RE4All) is a trainer-led, interactive human research training developed by people with developmental disabilities, disability services providers, researchers, and IRB administrators and members. It was designed to be accessible to adults with developmental disabilities and allows for the trainer to make accommodations to support optimal learning. Research Ethics for All provides community research partners with developmental disabilities accessible education in ethical issues in social and behavioral research with people. This education is focused on the roles and responsibilities of community research partners.
Research Ethics for All prepares community research partner for responsibilities related to The Common Rule (the US policy for protecting research participants). Research Ethics for All also helps community researchers understand their rights and responsibilities related to the Responsible Conduct of Research.
RE4All prepares community research partners for responsibilities related to:
- Finding people to be in research studies (recruitment)
- Working with people to make decisions about being in research studies (consent and assent)
- Collecting information from people and working with information that can tell us who a person is (data collection and individually identifiable data)
- Writing about research and sharing answers to research questions (authorship and dissemination)
Research Ethics for All uses ideas from the Disability Rights Movement to help us think about important ideas in research ethics. These ideas include showing respect to people by assuming they can do things and facilitating responsible their inclusion in research. These ideas from the Disability Rights Movement can identify approaches to research and inclusion.
How do external personnel complete RE4All training?
Because RE4All is trainer-led, the appropriateness of using the training will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Prior to using this training, study teams must first consult with Syracuse University IRB staff orip@syr.edu.
If use of RE4All is approved by IRB staff, the training must be administered by an experienced Syracuse University researcher, such as the Principal Investigator and complete the training with the external personnel. Once training is complete, the trainer must work with each learner to individually check their understanding of essential information required for certification by completing the certification activities.