Disability Rights UK/Chronic Illness Inclusion evidence gathering survey on potential collaboration between different illness groups, closes 25th Sept

This survey is part of a collaboration between Disability Rights UK and Chronic Illness Inclusion.

The aim of this survey is to explore 1) Whether people with different energy-limiting health conditions and impairments are interested in working together on issues of social justice and disability rights. 2) If so, what are the areas of greatest need, and where do the opportunities for change lie?

We intend to use the evidence gathered in this survey to help us make the case for resources to take this work forward. It also helps us to ensure that any work we do in future is co-produced with a diverse range of chronic illness communities. Thank you for your participation. The survey closes on 25th September 2021.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JDZ6YBD

 

Results from a survey by Disability Rights UK and Chronic Illness Inclusion

"Disability Rights UK and Chronic Illness Inclusion are pleased to present the results of a survey of 1,710 people living with energy-limiting chronic illness (ELCI).

The high volume of responses to our survey provides us with a mandate, as well as a roadmap, for social justice and change from this large, but often neglected, group of disabled people.

Our findings clearly show that the vast majority of disabled people with ELCI encounter socially constructed barriers to wellbeing and participation in society, beyond the impact of their symptoms or impairment. Many of the barriers are unique to this group.

The greatest barrier to equality and inclusion named by our respondents is lack of understanding of ELCI as a type of disability. Second is the invalidation and disbelief that so often accompanies this ignorance. Alongside this, more than four in five respondents reported barriers, at least ‘to some extent’ to education, healthcare, income security, getting out and socialising with friends and family. Like other disabled people then, people with ELCI face inequalities across most areas of their lives."

https://chronicillnessinclusion.org.uk/2021/11/03/changing-societys-response-to-elci/