Showcasing the lived experience of D/deaf and Disabled people
What does it mean to be Disabled and living a full, rich and joyful life?
We set out to challenge negative stereotypes and misconceptions about disability by capturing the authentic stories of Disabled people. Through these conversations, we heard stories of achievement, success, and hope.
Influencing change
Current research and engagement in the disability sector often focus on specific service needs or issues, with limited scope to capture the full depth of people’s lived experiences. Many studies also focus on barriers and deficits, which can have a negative impact on participants.
Conducted by Disability Together, in collaboration with We Are The People, Bath Spa University, and funded by the Wellcome Trust, this research presents the lived experience of a diverse range of D/deaf and Disabled people. Autonomous stories of Disabled People defined on their own terms.
We hope our project will be a message of hope to other Disabled people and an insight into the achievements, validity, and richness of our lives.
This video shares a glimpse into the voices we heard. It captures the stories, the themes, and the golden thread that emerged during the research:
“Yes, barriers exist. We know that better than most, but present in this is ‘Disability Joy’ and it’s bigger than you might think.
It’s overcoming adversity and finding solutions. It’s peer support, it’s giving and receiving help. Being in control of your own life. Embracing difference. Celebrating our diverse community.”
The video was produced by pbmedia in collaboration with Disability Together.
Dr. Sarah Batterbury, Leila Manion, Lucy Blackley, Dr. Theo Blackmore, Dr. Stuart Read, Megan Kenneally-Stone
and fifteen anonymous research participants.
The participants are co-producers of this project alongside Disability Together and the We Are The People team at Bath Spa University. Bath Spa University webpage includes more information about the project aims and future aspirations of this collaborative research project. To find out more about this research contact us.