The aim of this presentation is to explore how dialogue can be methodologically understood in photovoice research – particularly in the context of disability research. This can be relevant because photovoice has gained visibility as a relevant approach to engage community members as partners in disability research. However, as methods associated with photovoice have developed and evolved over time, concerns have also been raised about how this impacts the theoretical and methodological underpinnings on which photovoice rests.

Drawing on two empirical studies, the authors reflect on the function and meaning of dialogue, and how this can take different forms within the context of disability research. Examples will include: 1) everyday life experiences of migration and disability from an intersectional perspective drawing on issues such as gender, class, and ethnicity, and 2) everyday life experiences of adults living with spina bifida. It will be argued that the potentiality of dialogue warrants certain reflection to support conditions for participation in disability research. Unpacking the concept of dialogue using potentiality, provides an arena for discussion that has not previously been explicit in photovoice.