Introduction: Participatory research is particularly relevant to understanding the challenges faced by people with disabilities (PWDs), as it actively involves them as partners, enabling methodologies to be better adapted to lived realities and producing more relevant and applicable results. By reducing systemic barriers and promoting inclusion, this approach improves understanding and consideration of the specific needs of PWDs in research. Yet, studies have identified hurdles associated with this approach, prompting questions about how organizations portray PWDs, the dynamics among research stakeholders, the distribution of decision-making power, and the actual impact of research on its partners. Aim: This study aims to identify the factors that influence the process and results of participatory research in the field of disability studies. Methods: We conducted a mapping review following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, and analysis the results according to the input-throughput-outcomes Bergen model. Results: This study identifies partners skills and training, power sharing and benefits of active involvement as facilitators of participatory research. On the other hand, contextual challenges, and lack of guidance are reported as obstacles. Conclusion: This study provides insight into how the various facilitators and obstacles to participatory research and its different processes interact to produce positive, valid and rigorous results.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This study was funded by the grant #295513 of the program "grands defis de societe 2021 to 2013" of the Fonds de recherche du Quebec for the Research Team Inclusive Society; under grant #2023SE7310780 for the Research Team Support program of the Fonds de recherche du Quebec Societe et Culture (FRQSC) (Participation sociales et villes inclusives) ; under grant #284142 for the doctoral scholarship from FRQSC to MC; under grant Concours 1 for doctoral scholarship from Centre for interdisciplinary research in rehabilitation and social integration (Cirris) to RJ and under grant #296761 for research scholar awards from Fonds de recherche du Quebec Sante (FRQS) to FR.

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