Our research
We follow a trauma-informed, human-centred approach to understanding housing and service access for Traveller community members living with disabilities.
Defining disability
The Disability Act 2005 and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities define disability as a substantial restriction in a person's capacity to equitably participate in social or cultural life due to an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual impairment.1,2 However, we recognise that disability encompasses a wider range of conditions and circumstances.
Neurodivergent conditions such as autism and ADHD are often classified as invisible disabilities,3 distinct from intellectual disabilities, though some individuals may experience both. Disability is said to arise when institutional, social, or cultural barriers limit a person's full and equal participation in society,4 and this social model of disability shapes our approach, allowing us to capture the perspectives and access requirements of the families we engage with, rather than erasing distinct needs.
Within Traveller communities, disability and ethnicity-based marginalisation are not separate experiences but compounding ones. The PATHS project uses a broadened definition of disability informed by national legislation and international human rights frameworks, inclusive of neurodivergence as well as intellectual, mental health, sensory and physical disabilities. Our work adopts a person-centred understanding of disability that recognises diverse access needs across the disability spectrum, ensuring our design recommendations reflect the actual lived experiences and support needs of diverse Traveller families.
References
- Disability Act 2005. https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2005/act/14/enacted/en/index.html
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. https://social.desa.un.org/issues/disability/crpd/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities-crpd
- IA Labs. "What are Hidden Disabilities?" https://ialabs.ie/what-are-hidden-disabilities/
- TU Dublin. "Disability Inclusion – An Explainer." Discover our Research. https://www.tudublin.ie/research-innovation/research/discover-our-research/research-centres/edi-info-hub/disability-inclusion/
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.