Survey of Disabled Residents concerning the services delivered by Wealden District Council
This consultation was open between 6th-27th October 2006.
What was the purpose of this survey?
In response to the Disability Equality Duty Wealden District Council began reviewing the impact of its services on disabled people living in the area. It was essential to gather the views directly from disabled people about the Council’s services. Wealden District Council worked in partnership with East Sussex Disability Association (ESDA) who have well-established expertise in research based on the actual experience of disabled users.
How was the survey carried out?
Three methods were used.
- A Questionnaire
- Focus Groups
- One-to-one Interviews
Confidentiality
All information provided has been treated as strictly confidential by two disabled researchers within ESDA. All questionnaires were sent directly to the researchers and no personal information that could be directly attributed to an individual was available to anyone other than those external researchers.
Who filled it in? Who is covered by the Term “Disabled”?
This survey was designed to find out the experiences of disabled people who live in the area served by Wealden District Council.
We wanted to include a wide range of disabled people in the questionnaire. Our definition covered anyone who has encountered barriers in their daily lives because of mobility, sight or hearing impairment, learning difficulty, disfigurement, HIV or mental health issues. It also included those for whom a chronic illness or condition results in disability, which may have covered people with hidden impairments or conditions who may not necessarily consider themselves disabled. All these people were encouraged to participate in the survey.
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
What happened after the survey was completed?
The results of the questionnaire were analysed by ESDA and the key issues raised were discussed further in focus groups and one-to-one interviews. The experience and views of disabled people participating in the survey were then drawn together into a report which provided the basis for the development of the Disability Scheme which has been incorporated as a distinct chapter in the Wealden Equality Scheme. The Wealden Equality Scheme has been published on the Council’s website and can be sent on request.
A summary of the report of results from ESDA has also been published and can be viewed 
here (pdf, 47kb) .
The Council will also form a reference group of disabled people to guide the implementation of the Disability Equality Scheme and monitor its progress.
For any further information please contact Policy & Review, Wealden District Council, Vicarage Lane. Hailsham, BN27 2AX.
Telephone 01323 443184 or email PR@wealden.gov.uk
