Sense launches pioneering new research project for people living with complex disabilities

• The national disability charity, Sense, is launching a research project focused on the experiences of people with complex disabilities
• As part of the research project, a survey is open for the next month covering subjects, including healthcare and employment
• The survey will be run on an annual basis, with its findings informing Sense campaigns and influencing Government policy

18 January 2021 – The national disability charity, Sense, has launched a pioneering new research project to better understand the experiences of people living with complex disabilities. The first of its kind in the UK, the research project will include an annual survey which will inform the charity’s influencing of Government policy, as it seeks to improve the lives of people living with complex needs.

People with two or more disabilities, who require high levels of support with aspects of daily life and may need support from a range of health and social care services, are classed as having complex disabilities.

Sense’s research project will bring together different research methods, including survey and polls, to give a full picture of the lives of people with complex disabilities in the UK. Sense is using its services and programmes, digital channels and relationships with other organisations to reach the target audience.

People living with complex disabilities, supported by family members and carers, are now invited to complete the survey which is open until Monday 28^th February 2022. The survey covers a wide range of subjects, including healthcare, employment, the pandemic, hopes for the future and what needs to change to make society more inclusive.

Richard Kramer, Sense Chief Executive, said:

“The survey is part of a wider research project that Sense is leading on, the first of its kind in the UK, as we seek to learn more about the experiences of people with complex disabilities.

“The pandemic has shown how the societal inequalities that disabled people face can lead to disastrous outcomes. We must listen, understand and respond to the needs of people living with complex disabilities if we are committed to improving lives and become a more inclusive society.

“We aim to reach as many people as possible to ensure a wide range of voices are heard.”