Beyond the Data: Understanding Disability Through Everyday Experience

ONS

We worked with the Office for National Statistics to understand what day‑to‑day life really looks like for disabled people across the UK—listening to those living with a wide range of impairments, physical conditions and mental health challenges.

Through in‑depth qualitative research, we explored how people navigate activities, goods and services, and uncovered the hidden barriers that shape everything from travel and shopping to social participation.

Our approach centred lived experience, building a nuanced picture of the practical, emotional and systemic obstacles disabled people encounter, as well as the adaptations and workarounds they rely on.

These insights fed into a landmark ONS publication, elevating voices that are too often overlooked and highlighting where systems, services and environments fall short of being accessible and inclusive.

Impact:

A powerful evidence base that helps policymakers and service providers design more accessible systems—and ensure disabled people’s real experiences drive meaningful change across UK society.