Betsy Lake from Loughborough University is looking for participants to help with her dissertation research project, ‘Investigate the experiences of people with physical disabilities vis-à-vis telework practices”, situated in the social model of disability.
His research aims to explore, through 30-60 minute interviews on Microsoft Teams, the experiences (needs, barriers, facilitators, advantages, disadvantages, etc.) of UK-based physically disabled teleworkers. This study is much needed at present due to the very limited research done in this area to date. As employers restructure long-term work practices in response to Covid-19, and with predictions that a hybrid work model is likely the future, it is essential to collect data on how physically disabled workers negotiate teleworking, so that their experiences are taken into account. It is his intention that the the findings of this research may lead to further studies in this neglected area and offer practical insights and recommendations for accessible and inclusive telecommuting practices and policies to support better employment outcomes for people with physical disabilities and improve remote working experiences for all.