Opportunities and contributions: Examining opportunities that young people with disability and young carers (aged 12-24) value and access and contributions they make to families, communities and society

Project Details

One in five young people accesses disability support at school. One in ten provides care for ill or disabled family members. Most research on young people with disability and young carers has focused on their support needs, but this project is examining their positive engagement in education, employment, caregiving, volunteering and other forms of active citizenship.

Team

Professor Sally Robinson

Professor Gerry Redmond

Professor Joanne Arciuli

Dr Sally Chance

Dr Ellen Fraser-Barbour

Ms Ruby Nankivell

Ms Madde Mackenzie

Mr James Norman

Research partners

University of Lancaster – Emeritus Professor Eric Emerson

Purple Orange

Summary

1. In-depth qualitative research to identify what young people with disability and young carers perceive as a fulfilling, productive and responsible life, the opportunities they value, and the contributions they aspire to make.

2. Analysis of large-scale survey data to assess trends in the opportunities accessed and contributions made by young people with disability and young carers to family, community and societal wellbeing since 2000, taking into account more recent effects of covid-19.

3. Engagement with policymakers and policy instruments to analyse the role of policy in supporting access to opportunities and contributions valued by young people with disability and young carers and identify steps for policy to support young people in leading fulfilling, productive and responsible lives.

Impact

Benefits include evidence for a strengths-based policy approach to disability and care.

Easy-read

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