OU funded research explores the impact of self-advocacy and technology on people with learning disabilities during the pandemic

Between July and September 2020, an inclusive team of researchers from the OU undertook two linked research projects exploring the role of self-advocacy and technology in supporting people with learning disabilities during the coronavirus pandemic. The results and recommendations from our research can be found in the reports below. 

Filling in the Gaps: The role of self-advocacy groups in supporting the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities through the pandemic

This research, led by Liz Tilley, Lorna Rouse, Jan Walmsley and Shaun Picken, sought to find out how self-advocacy groups were supporting people with learning disabilities during the coronavirus pandemic.

• Full Report (24 pages). This is a full report of the study that includes details about methods, what we found out, and key recommendations.
• Executive Summary (2 pages) This is a summary of the project report that includes the main findings and recommendations.
• Easy Read Version. This is an easy read version of the report using photosymbols and text. We are grateful to My Life My Choice for helping us produce this.

Keeping Well and Staying Connected

This research, led by Jane Seale, sought to find out whether and how people with learning disabilities have been supported to use technology to keep well and stay connected during the covid-19 pandemic.

• Full Report (50 pages) This is a full report of the study that includes methods, results, findings and recommendations.
• Executive Summary (2 pages) This is a summary of the project report that includes the main findings and recommendations.
• Easy Read Version. This is an easy read version of the report using photosymbols and text. We are grateful to My Life My Choice for helping us produce this.