Researchers at NatCen Social Research are currently working on a project about the experiences of people with vision impairment and people with combined hearing and sight loss who have been claiming Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and who will apply for Personal Independence Payments.
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Who can take part?
We would like to speak to people who: have a vision impairment or combined hearing and sight loss; are aged between 16-64; live in either London or the West Midlands; and have had their PIP assessment and received an outcome in the last few months.
What does the research involve?
We would like to speak with you if you have recently received the outcome of your PIP assessment in the last couple of months.
We would like to conduct an interview with you to discuss your views and experiences of the PIP application, assessment process and outcome. We would also like to discuss with you your views on the outcome and the impact this has had on your life.
The interview will last up to an hour and you will receive £20 cash as a thank you for taking part. Everything you say is kept confidential and you can stop the interview at any point if you wish to. There are no right or wrong answers, we are just interested in your experiences.
If you take part in an interview we would also like to ask if we could follow-up with you a month later to see how you are getting on. However each interview is voluntary.
What if someone else (like a parent, friend or relative) helped me fill in my DLA or PIP application form?
That is ok. You might want to ask them to be at the interview with you.
Where will the interview take place?
Interviews can be done face-to-face or over the phone at a time and place convenient to you. Face-to-face interviews can be done at your home or at another suitable place such as a quiet café or at your work.
Do I have to take part?
No, taking part is voluntary. You do not have to take part in both interviews. Also, if you take part but later change your mind, you can get in touch with the research team within a month of your interview and we will be able to remove your information from the project.
Who is funding the research?
The project is funded by three charities – Sense, RNIB, and the Thomas Pocklington Trust. The research is being carried out by NatCen Social Research, an independent social research organisation.
What will happen to the results of the research?
The information collected will be used to write a report. This project will help us better understand how the move to PIP affects people with sensory impairments. We hope to share the findings widely, including conferences, academic articles and specialist magazines such as Talking Sense and NB. You can ask to be kept informed of the final results of the research.
Who will know that I’ve taken part?
The report and articles will be anonymous. We will not use your name or details such as where you live or work. However because the things that you tell us might be unique to you, people reading it who know you very well might be able to recognise you from reading it.
How can I take part?
If you would like to take part in the interview, or have further questions or comments, please contact the research team:
Email: PIP@natcen.ac.uk
Freephone: 0808 281 0298
Text: 07714 560554
Write to:
NatCen Social Research
35 Northampton Square
London EC1V OAX
As researchers we can’t provide you with any advice or information about applying for PIP. You can get this by calling the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 9999 from Monday to Friday 8.45am to 5.30pm.