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Spreading the Word Project Summary

Project Aim: 'To develop a body of knowledge surrounding the issue of informational needs within the visual impairment sector and utilise this information both internally, and among other organisations to produce information, which is complete, accessible, meaningful, and useful to service users.'

Research Sample

Research focused upon four marginalised groups, in line with the make-up of the  Children and Family Service's database:

  • Families with a teenager who has a visual impairment
  • Families with a child or teenager who has a visual impairment and any additional disabilities
  • Families from minority ethnic communities with a child or teenager who has a visual impairment
  • Families with a parent who has a visual impairment

Research Objectives

The project focused on conducting research among the four marginalised family groups, over the three years, and was set with the objective of identifying the topics of information which parents felt needed to be covered and at what stage in their child's life. The sources from which parents felt information should be available and the most effective vehicles of supplying information were also explored. A second phase of research was undertaken with parents from ethnic backgrounds with a visually impaired child living in the Greater Manchester area. This stage of research was set with the objectives of identifying the barriers faced by BME families when accessing existing service providers and exploring the informational services required by ethnic minority families. The research also investigated the languages that parents felt information should be delivered in and possible methods to raise awareness of visual impairment service providers among BME communities.

Summary of Research Findings

If you would like more information on the Spreading the Word project, please contact Henshaws Research and Information Manager at info@henshaws.org.uk