About: Research exploring disabled people’s views and experiences of the environment

Description:

This research is being conducted by Deborah Fenney, a PhD student based in the School of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Leeds.

The research is looking into disabled people’s experiences of the environment, and whether there are barriers to doing environmentally friendly activities. Over the past few years, many people have become interested in trying to be more environmentally friendly. Whether or not we agree with this, government and local councils are also trying to encourage us to change our behaviour to help protect the environment. However, being environmentally friendly can be more difficult for some people than for others.

I’m hoping to find out what disabled people think about environmental issues, and any experiences they may have had. If disabled people’s needs are not considered with regard to environmental issues, accessible solutions may be missed. I hope this research will help highlight existing good practice and ideas, as well as where more consideration is needed.

I’m looking to speak to people who:

– live in the Leeds City Council area

– are disabled, or have a long-term physical or mental health condition, or a learning difficulty or disability

and

– are over 18.

Taking part involves talking to me about your experiences, either in person or via telephone or email if these are more accessible for you. The kinds of questions asked and topics covered would be about different environmental issues, any experiences you have had of them and what you think about them. In person, this conversation usually takes around half an hour, and can be held in a place convenient for you. I may be able to reimburse any expenses incurred – please ask!

Alternatively, if you are a member of a group (for example a social or support group) and other group members would also like to take part, I am able to run a focus group discussion covering similar topics. A group discussion would usually take around an hour, although sometimes they take longer.

Link: A Research Project About The Environment (facebook)