Two-thirds of disabled people feel poorly represented by the UK Government

One in three (34%) disabled people do not feel they belong in their communities, and two-thirds feel unrepresented by the Government, according to a new report published by the Belonging Forum to mark Disability Pride Month.

The UK study found that nearly half (48%) of disabled LGBT+ people often feel lonely, compared with a quarter (25%) of non-disabled people, with disabled women considerably more likely than disabled men to experience loneliness frequently (42% versus 29%).

There was also lower wellbeing, greater concerns about safety and weaker feelings of representation, all of which make it harder to connect with communities. One in three (34%) disabled people feel unsafe walking alone near their home after dark, compared with 24% of non-disabled people. This figure was higher among disabled women.

Barriers that disabled people face

Published during Disability Pride Month – which celebrates the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities while raising awareness of the barriers they continue to face – the report examines how disability shapes people’s relationships, their connection to the place they live, their sense of purpose, and their opportunities to contribute and whether they feel heard by those making decisions

• Further reading: Why we all should celebrate Disability Pride Month

Kim Samuel, Founder of the Belonging Forum, said: “Disability Pride Month is an opportunity not only to celebrate the achievements, contributions and resilience of people with disabilities, but also to understand the barriers that can make belonging harder to achieve.

“Our research shows that many disabled people have strong friendships and meaningful relationships, yet still face barriers that make it harder to participate fully in community life, access shared spaces and feel heard by the institutions that shape their lives.

“Belonging is about more than social connection. It is about being able to take part, contribute, feel valued and have your voice heard. These aren’t abstract ideals—they are things we can design for. By putting belonging at the heart of our communities, workplaces and public institutions, we can remove barriers that prevent people from participating fully in society.”

Physical health and disabled people

The Belonging Forum’s report found that physical health makes it harder for disabled people to access and spend time in community spaces. Disabled people are also less likely to spend time in shared community spaces such as parks, cafés and leisure facilities. Almost a quarter (23%) said physical health prevents them from spending more time in these places, compared with just 3% of non-disabled people.

It also highlights a significant gap in political representation. Two-thirds (66%) of disabled people say they feel poorly represented by the UK Government, while a similar proportion (67%) do not believe their wants and needs are considered when decisions are made.

The Belonging Forum is a global non-profit advancing the right to belong – a birthright that connects us to one another, to the places we call home, to the systems that shape our lives, and to a shared sense of purpose.

Alison Bloomer

Alison Bloomer is Editor of Learning Disability Today.

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