The project will explore how disabled parents can be better supported to live independently by reviewing the approach and provision of children’s services. It’s been awarded funding from the DRILL (Disability Research on Independent Living and Learning) programme, a five year scheme launched in 2015, led by disabled people and funded by Big Lottery Fund.

Managed by the University of Bedfordshire, the project will be led by disabled parents who will be working alongside social work academics and policy makers.

Professor Emily Munro from the University of Bedfordshire said: “There is not enough support out there for disabled parents, who are often subject to unreasonable scrutiny because they are disabled. Our project will explore how local authorities can reorientate children’s services in a way which means disabled parents and their children are more likely to get the help that they need.”

Evan Odell, DRILL programme officer at Disability Rights UK added: “We’re delighted to be funding this project, run by and for disabled people. The results will help support disabled people to live more independently, and be part of the communities they live in.”

DRILL has also announced that it is calling for new applications for research or project funds. More information is available from www.drilluk.org.uk

Launched in 2015, the DRILL programme is fully funded by Big Lottery Fund and delivered by Disability Rights UK, Disability Action Northern Ireland, Inclusion Scotland and Disability Wales. DRILL is expecting to fund a total of up to 40 research pilots and projects over a 5-year period, all led by disabled people. Around £1,000,000 has been allocated in this round of applications.