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DENW publishes research into the most excluded disabled communities

DENW have commisioned and published research exploring the experience of disabled people in Lancashire from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT), the Black Minority & Ethnic (BME) and the Gypsy, Roma & Traveller (GRT) communities.

The project highlights specific issues for each of these communities that restrict access to community services and resources.  The project has been both a research project and a skilling project for all the participants; partners, community researchers and interviewees. It raised community awareness of the Social Model of disability, the Equality Act with the protection it is intended to afford disabled people and the Convention on the Human Rights of People with Disabilities.

Some comments collected from focus-group participants...

• “People look down on you. They think it’s your fault you have a disabilit or your fault if a family member has a disability. Some people think it’s infectious and cover their mouth if near someone with a disability.” [GRT]

• “I used to be able to drive, but can’t drive more than a 30 mile radius. No bus comes near here which has a ramp. They only take on one wheelchair so you can’t get on with another wheelchair (e.g. my partner is also a wheelchair user)…” [BME]

• “It is difficult to forge relationships. I don’t want my potential partner to be my carer but I also have to forge a level of trust.” [LGBT]

Use the link below to acccess a copy of the executive summary.

Hidden Stories - Lancashire disabled people's lives

Tags: lgbt, grt, black-and-etnic-minorities, stories, lancashire, research