Our research
We follow a trauma-informed, human-centred approach to understanding housing and service access for Traveller community members living with disabilities.
Human-centred research
PATHS prioritises trust, safety, and meaningful collaboration at every stage, understanding the impact of the historic discrimination and institutional harm many Traveller families have experienced.
We use participatory, mixed-methods that keep Traveller voices central throughout. We began with a review of existing housing and health policy affecting disabled Travellers, and found significant gaps. From there, we have focused on organising co-design workshops and interviews with disabled Travellers, local authorities, health professionals, and advocacy organisations, with every stage following inclusive research principles.
Safety & trust first
Sessions are designed to give participants complete control over what is shared, with flexible pacing, and no pressure to disclose sensitive information.
Human-centred design
Workshops and interviews are flexible, blended between online and in-person interaction, structured around participants' own priorities through plain language.
Community partnership
Traveller-led organisations have aided in shaping the research, recruiting participants, and will have access to resources and findings before they are made public.
Ethics & consent
PATHS has received ethical approval from MTU's Human Research Ethics Committee (Approval No: MTU-HREC-FER-26-009-A). All participants take part on the basis of informed consent: before any workshop, interview, or session, we explain what's involved, how the information will be used, and who will see it.
Taking part is entirely voluntary. Participants can decline to answer any question, and pause or stop a session at any time.
Preliminary findings
These are some early, provisional themes emerging from the research so far. They will be refined as more workshops and interviews are completed.
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01
Disability priority does not guarantee accessible housing.
Despite priority status for social housing, long waiting times and a shortage of suitable, accessible homes are still present.
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02
Housing adaptations do not always meet individual accessibility needs.
New builds and housing adaptations often fail to reflect individuals' mobility, family, and cultural needs due to limited availability and lack of consultation.
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03
Securing appropriate housing requires advocacy.
Families frequently rely on advocates to navigate application systems, overcome administrative barriers, and pursue suitable accommodation.