Connecting Disability Justice with Wider Challenges to Inequalities

We have two main research questions. First, we seek to identify barriers to the inclusion of disability in inequality campaigns. Second, we investigate practical ways in which disability can be included as a key dimension in inequality campaigns, and vice versa. Our questions are sensitive to the interlinkages between the framing of disability (models of disability), resource mobilisation, and (de)prioritisation of disability.

We use qualitative data collection methods and analytical strategies to investigate these questions. To reflect the diversity of disability, we aim to build a mixed sample in terms of participants’ impairment and/or identification with disability (e.g., mobility, psycho-social, etc.) and other categories of social identity (e.g., gender, sexuality, ethnicity, etc.). Alongside participants, we move through a stepped design which begins with one-to-one interviews. Subsequently, we facilitate issue-specific focus groups. Finally, we create bridging workshops which bring together disability and inequality-focused actors.

Through focus groups and workshops, the project aims to foster solidarity both within and across movements. Crucially, workshops provide space to explore strategies for further practical collaboration. Our findings - including these strategies - will be disseminated through an accessible report, a collaboration toolkit, blogs, online and in-person knowledge exchange events, and open-access academic articles.

Betty Mulavi is a Disability Inclusion Expert, specialising in disability programming and research. She supports development and implementation of strategies that contribute to system strengthening and data driven solutions in disability programming. She has worked in the disability field in the last four years and has supported advocacy efforts by conducting in depth research, monitoring and evaluation, analysing data and contributing to the development of evidence-based programs.

Edward Adiibokah is a dedicated Social Research Scientist and Demographer with over 20 years of experience in health and development research in Ghana. He recently served as Technical Advisor for Implementation Science at JSI, focusing on Mental Health and HIV projects. He has held key positions at the Population Council and Ghana AIDS Commission, contributing to the passage of the mental health act in Ghana. Edward's research interests include the nexus between mental illness and social exclusion. He is committed to advancing disability justice through impactful research and advocacy. 

Fredrick Ouko is a Co-Chief Executive Officer at ADD International, a participatory grant-maker and leadership development initiative for disability justice activists and previously a program officer for disability rights program at Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa. Fredrick is also an Atlantic Fellow for Social and Economic Equity and the founder of Riziki Source, a social enterprise that facilitates access to job opportunities for persons with disabilities leveraging the power of technology. He is an Atlantic Fellow for social and economic equity

Hamidreza Vasheghanifarahani is an Atlantic Fellow for Social and Economic Equity, researcher, and activist. His work covers various topics, including children's rights, autism and neurodiversity, disability inclusion, civil society, and asylum seekers' rights. He has researched the Status of Afghan children in Iran and the History, Typology, Achievements and Challenges of Disability Non-governmental Initiatives in Iran for UNICEF-commissioned research projects. 

Lionel Sakyi is a Mental Health Research Professional with 10 years of experience specialising in mental health research, project management, and stakeholder engagement. His expertise spans mental health, disability inclusion, and social policy, with a proven track record of implementing impactful health initiatives. Lionel most recently served as Research Coordinator where he played a pivotal role in implementing the Ghana Somubi Dwumadie programme, an FCDO-funded initiative focusing on disability and mental health. 

Liz Sayce is a Visiting Professor in Practice at the LSE International Inequalities Institute and former CEO of Disability Rights UK. Past roles include Policy Director of Mind and later the Disability Rights Commission; and Vice Chair of the UK’s Social Security Advisory Committee. She has published widely on social participation, mental health and disability rights. 

Lyla Adwan-Kamara has a multidisciplinary career focused on empowerment, participation, and developing creative techniques for people to express themselves and find their voice. She recently led a nationwide programme in Ghana implementing policy change, scaling up services and addressing stigma and discrimination in disability and mental health. Currently Lyla is working with a lived experience steering group exploring burnout among disability activists in the UK. She is also an Atlantic Fellow for Social and Economic Equity.

Perpetual Kariuki is a Researcher and Mental Health Advocate committed to addressing systemic inequalities and promoting social inclusion. As a community health and development professional, she explores the intersections of disability justice, mental health, and broader social challenges, combining personal insight with academic rigour. Through her work, she aims to bridge the gap between grassroots advocacy and institutional change, fostering equitable solutions for marginalised communities.

Philippa Mullins is a research associate at the Centre for Sociological Research (CeSO) of KU Leuven. Prior to joining KU Leuven, she was Assistant Professor of Human Rights and Social Justice at the American University of Armenia. She completed her PhD at LSE’s Department of Social Policy, and is a visiting fellow at the LSE International Inequalities Institute and the University at Buffalo’s Center for Disability Studies. She works primarily in disability and resistance studies.