The Price of Inclusion – Exploring the Hidden Costs of Living with Disability in Scotland
Findings from a recent research project led by Dr. Seemab Farooqi at the University of Dundee and funded by the Royal Society of Edinburgh help to understand the extra costs that disabled people face in their everyday lives in Scotland. It also explored whether current benefits and support systems are doing enough to help.
Why is this important?
We know that the cost of living is rising, and disabled people are often the hardest hit. By speaking directly with disabled individuals and those who support them, the research aimed to better understand what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. The findings will help shape better policies and support services in the future.
Supported by Dundee Carers Centre, a carers’ focus group shared their insights, which the research team described as being “invaluable” to the Price of Inclusion research and helped shape the project’s understanding of the real pressures faced by unpaid carers across Dundee and beyond.
The research findings have now been published. In addition, “The Voicing Lived Experiences” podcast series has been launched across multiple platforms, including YouTube and Spotify, fully anonymised, AI-enhanced narratives from disabled people, unpaid carers, and practitioners across Scotland. These short films bring lived experiences to life while maintaining privacy and accessibility.