Richard Keagan-Bull

I am a researcher with a learning disability. I have been employed at Kingston University since 2021. I have worked on several research projects, including Growing Older, Planning Ahead (helping older people with a learning disability and their families to think about what will happen in the future, when their parents die); the Victoria & Stuart Project (end of life care planning with people with a learning disability) and the DAPPLE Project (how to make sure everyone with a learning disability gets good care at the end of their life). I am also co-leading the co-production group of the LeDeR Programme (NHS England’s programme of reviewing the deaths of people with a learning disability).

As a researcher, I am involved in running focus group and doing interviews. I help with data analysis and dissemination. We make a lot of videos and put them on our research YouTube channels, so everyone can learn about our research.

I am an active member of the Faculty. I co-chair the monthly Learning Disability Research Group (known as the Yellow Tulip Group). I have my own podcast, hosted and edited at Kingston University, called Cuppa Tea with Richard. I have also written a book about my life, called Don’t Put Us Away: Memories of a Man with Learning Disabilities (you can buy it on Amazon!). I have won quite a few awards for my work. In 2021, I was named on the 100 Power List as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK.

I like doing research for people with a learning disability, because it is important that people get a good quality of life. Hopefully the work we do will improve things for people in years to come. It is also good to have a proper job and be employed at Kingston University, and get a proper wage at the end of the month!

• I have no formal academic qualifications
• I went to Special Needs Schools from the age of 8
• I have completed several research training courses at Kingston University