Together All Are Able
The Qualitative Insights Team collaborated with Together All Are Able (TAAA), an advocacy and self‑advocacy group for people with Learning Disabilities and SEND. The project brought together individuals with lived experience, supported by QIT researchers, to explore their views on accessibility in research involving people with SEND/LD. Its aim was to review sections of the Wirral Public Health Qualitative Insight Team’s Qualitative Insight Toolkit and suggest how these could be adapted for people with SEND/LD. The work focused on identifying what matters most to these individuals when participating in research, providing guidance for others conducting inclusive studies.
Insights gathered: November 2022
Insights gathered by
Qualitative Insights Team - Wirral Council
Together All Are Able (SEND/LD Advocacy group)
Aim
The aims of this project were to support the Health and Wellbeing Strategy by working with TAAA members to design accessible research questions and methods for future studies. This collaboration helped ensure that research is as inclusive as possible for people with SEND/LD. The project also aimed to build the Research Team’s confidence and capability to carry out future research with Wirral residents who have disabilities, ensuring their needs, perspectives, and experiences are fully considered throughout the research process.
People engaged with
Six members of Together All Are Able (TAAA) took part in the project. TAAA is a group of people with lived experience who advocate for individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Learning Difficulties (SEN/LD). Their involvement ensured that the project reflected the real experiences, priorities, and perspectives of those directly affected.
Methods
The first session took the form of a Focus Group with brainstorming activities. After the conclusion of the focus group, the analyst led discussions whereby TAAA fed back their thoughts on how the focus group went and shared immediate findings from the discussions. QI Researchers then generated the findings in a report and also presented the findings to the TAAA group in a Easy Read PowerPoint document.
Key insights
Health and Wellbeing Insights were presented in an Easy Read format, including:
Health: This included feedback on needing support to take care of the body, by attending health appointments and being proactive about managing health. Adapting and listening to people's needs, by professionals learning to understand how people with LD communicate so that they can adapt to their needs. Having Less bad experiences by tackling discrimination in health care services.
Wellbeing: this included the importance of having good mental health, including a positive self-image and self-esteem. Having good mental stimulation, and having good Support from other people to carry out day-to-day activities and manage care.
TAAA members fed back on topics including barriers to research for people with LD and how they can be overcome, suggestions for improvement in methods used and how to improve the research design. They shared that participants need more time to answer each question, such as 30 minutes with breaks, and let them know they can leave the room whenever they need to. Make reasonable adjustments to materials, including an A3 consent form, an Easy Read information sheet with suitable images, and sharing researcher photos beforehand to build familiarity. Clearly explain what “health” and “wellbeing” mean, using pictures if helpful, and provide support for anyone who cannot read or write. Make sure participants understand how consent forms and photos are stored and who can access them. Present the Health and Wellbeing priority wording in an Easy Read or less wordy format so it’s easier to understand. The insights from TAAA show clear barriers and priorities that strengthen the findings: participants highlighted issues with access, communication, and unsuitable materials, as well as the need for clearer explanations and more time. They valued supportive relationships, adapted communication, and feeling safe and understood. They also shared what worked well, including researcher flexibility, trust built over time, and opportunities to express themselves in different ways. Their feedback addressed the project aim of more inclusive research by showing how health, wellbeing, and participation depend on accessibility, autonomy, and practical support. Their lived experiences provided essential guidance for future research design.
How have the insights been used/shared?
Shared with Wirral Public Health SLT
Qualitative insights team informing how to conduct research with people with LD
CVF sector via forums
Wirral Intelligence (HWB Knowledge Hub) Website
Shared amongst TAAA membership