Since 2017, Enventure Research has worked with Clarion Housing, the UK’s largest housing association, to deliver the Clarion Index, an annual representative survey which gathers insight into its residents’ lives, wellbeing, behaviours and experiences on a variety of topics.
In recent years, the Index has revealed that the proportion of residents who consider themselves to have a disability is steadily increasing. Whilst national figures show a similar trend, the proportion of Clarion residents with a disability is significantly higher than that seen in the general population. Of further concern, the most recent Index survey showed that those who consider themselves to have a disability are more likely to say their home does not meet their accessibility needs or that they find it difficult to access Clarion’s services.
To explore these findings in greater depth, Enventure Research was commissioned to undertake qualitative research with disabled Clarion residents to better understand the difficulties they face.
The research comprised a series of depth interviews with residents who had opted in to take part in further research in the latest Index, and who reported that they had a disability and find it difficult to access Clarion’s services and/or that their home does not meet their accessibility needs. Participants were recruited to include a broad mix of demographics and characteristics, and interviews conducted via telephone or video call.
A flexible discussion guide was developed to explore participants’ accessibility needs, current accessibility issues and perceptions of Clarion’s role in resolving these, and identify any gaps in terms of additional support required.
The feedback gathered provided Clarion with valuable insight into the perceptions and experiences of its disabled residents, and will help it implement improvements to home and service accessibility.