Disability Survey | Equal Lives

Disability Survey Results 2026

Every year, Equal Lives carries out a disability survey to better understand the barriers Disabled people face, the support they need, and the issues that matter most to them. As a user‑led organisation, listening directly to Disabled people is central to how we shape our services, influence decision‑makers, and ensure our work reflects lived experience.

Key Information:

32 responses and 29 of those people identify as Disabled

23 questions

Across Norfolk and Suffolk

53% of respondents said they were in receipt of unpaid care, from a friend, relative or partner

25% of respondents provide unpaid care to someone (who is not a non-disabled child)

78% were in receipt of welfare benefits

The two most popular age groups who took the survey were 55-64 and 65 and over

59% of respondents are not in receipt of social care, 6% said they were trying to access it, and 34% said they do receive social care

We asked, if you do use Equal Lives services, how do using our services make you feel?

People reported that using our services makes them feel informed, listened to, supported and empowered.
People commented that they felt less alone, less vulnerable and less isolated, and more reassured.
People who don’t use the services but answered this question commented they feel accomplished because they have contributed to our blog or part of our disability community.
We also received some comments stating they were disappointed we no longer offer form fills or appeals, or that due to living in in Suffolk they can’t access all of the services they would like to.

Summary of additional comments:

They have a deteriorating condition, so feel less independent as time goes on without appropriate support

Generally feeling they are more dependent on others or need more support than they have, leading to feelings of dependence

Or that due to the right support, e.g accessible living, support from a cleaner or gardener for example they do feel more independent as a result

Other responses talked of financial constraints, menopausal transition and mental health illness.

We asked, ‘What barriers to independence are you currently experiencing?’

The answers to this question were far more mixed than the last few years, where financial concerns have been the main and number one barrier. Whilst this is still a strong theme, other responses included:

No central heating
Geographical location
Not having anyone to talk to about how they feel
Transport within Norwich, specifically buses
Lack of choice and control around Motability vehicles or travel and transport in general
Mobility issues and pain management
Dealing with emotional and psychological distress, brought on by climate concern or political issues
Memory related issues
Lack of support from the LA or NHS
Not being able to go out

Some people did report they do feel independent, and they manage overall but struggle with admin and access to support when they do need it.

We asked, ‘What would help you feel more independent?’

Quite a few people responding here that nothing would make them feel more independent or skipped this question altogether. However, common themes from respondents showed up as:

Their own transport or a driving licence
Receiving more support from a carer, PA or support worker
Increase in finances
Regaining strength or mobility, improved health
Access to central heating
A more understanding and accessible society
Improved design of shared spaces, furniture and transport
Improved understanding of their condition from healthcare providers
Increased equipment such as a falls pedant or a mobility scooter, or improved visual aids or specialist beds
Less harassment and fear of judgement

We asked, ‘what are your main financial barriers?’

Fear of losing welfare benefits
Not being able to work
Cost of living and energy bills, as well as high rent
Paying for private medication or disability related costs, such as specialist shoes

Some people commented that they get by, but can’t afford things like going out and socialising or holidays, and that financial concerns are a cause of high stress levels which impacts their health

We asked, ‘what is the best thing in your life?’

We asked, ‘what makes you feel hopeful for the future?’

The responses to this question were so nice, with family and friends being the most popular responses. Interestingly, pets featured a lot, particularly dogs, showing how much impact being a pet owner can have on our wellbeing.

Other responses included:

Following a religion, having a faith or feeling part of a religious community
Independent freedom
Holidays
Socialising
Mobility
Volunteering or being part of a hobby group like sewing or music groups

A difficult question, and many people sadly answered ‘nothing’ or did not know. People mentioned they felt scared for the future and don’t feel hopeful at all. Most people felt unable to give an answer to this question.

Other answers were:

Relationships, marriage or children
Answers relating to government policy, a change in government or hoping for more compassion from the government in general
Improved technology
Faith and religion

Finally, we asked, ‘when Equal Lives represent you, either via the media, with political officials, government decision makers or funders, what is the one thing you wish we would say that would make you feel represented?’

There were many passionate answers here and we can tell that this group of people are frustrated and feel often they are fighting a constant battle to be heard.

Key themes in this answer were:

Disabled people are not to blame for the financial woes of the country when corporations and billionaires could solve it/stop blaming Disabled people for poverty or financial issues in the UK/Disabled people are not a drain on society
The system is failing Disabled people
Listen to Disabled people – make Disabled people feel heard and understood/listening and talking to real people/, not giving scripted answers/take Disabled people seriously
Anyone can become Disabled at any time
Stop the demonisation and stigma of disability and Disabled people
Carers are underpaid and under valued
Nothing about us, without us

The 2026 Disability Survey gives us a clear picture of how it feels being Disabled in Norfolk and Suffolk today.

While individual experiences varied greatly, several strong themes emerged: many respondents are struggling with independence, facing ongoing financial pressure, and navigating a lack of adequate support from local services. Feelings of isolation, declining health, and concerns about the future are common.

Despite these challenges, the survey also highlighted sources of strength, like family, friends, pets, faith, hobbies, and the moments of independence people work hard to maintain. Respondents told us what helps, what doesn’t, and what needs to change. Their voices are powerful and direct: Disabled people want to be listened to, understood, and represented without stigma or blame. They want a society that values their contribution, supports their needs, and treats them with compassion and respect.

Equal Lives will continue to use these insights to guide our campaigns, improve our services, and ensure decision makers hear the realities contained within these pages. Our commitment remains the same: nothing about us, without us. This survey reinforces why that principle continues to matter now more than ever.