Fiona Wright, a Senior User Researcher at Social Security Scotland is leading a new research which will take place from January and February 2025.
This research will look at the experience of people with additional communication needs, including assistive technology when receiving communications from Social Security Scotland. The research is part of work to identify where Social Security Scotland could make improvements in making communications accessible and inclusive. We would like to hear from people who have experience applying for or receiving benefits from Social Security Scotland.
There are key groups of people they would like to hear from, but would welcome people with conditions or needs that are not on this list too. Please see the list below:
People with any of the following disabilities/conditions affecting their communication needs:
- Physical health conditions (e.g. arthritis, aphasia, fatigue, motor impairment)
- Learning disabilities & neurodivergence (e.g. dyslexia/dyscalculia, autism, ADHD)
- Hearing impairment
- Visual impairment
- Age-related conditions (e.g. dementia)
- Mental health conditions (e.g. depression & anxiety, PTSD)
People using assistive technology for communications, including:
- Screen readers
- Screen magnifiers
- Speech recognition software
- Text-to-speech software
- Text and video relay services
- Braille display
The Research & Incentives
The research would involve 90-minute in-person focus group sessions, which will be grouped by communication need or where appropriate community group. The research team will provide interpreters and make accessibility accommodations for these sessions as appropriate.
As a thank you for people’s time, every person will be given an incentive of £50 (voucher). Receiving this voucher does not affect the receipt of benefits.
How to get involved
If you would like to be involved, or an organisation aware of suitable candidates, please email [email protected]