Looking for a research consultant?
I’m available for freelance social research projects, working with the third sector, churches and other organisations. Contact me here to discuss your project.
Member: National Coalition of Independent Scholars, Social Research Association, British Sociological Association.
Research into disabled people’s experiences of churches
2011-2019 & 2020-2021
My PhD was a participatory study into the experiences of disabled Christians in the UK. The research has now explored and shared the stories of over 50 disabled Christians. Using a disability studies framework, my thesis looked at their experiences of ableism and hospitality in churches, the barriers many faced to leadership, and their own theologies of disability, God, faith and church.
Read the thesis here: The Upside-down Kingdom of God : A Disability Studies Perspective on Disabled People’s Experiences in Churches and Theologies of Disability
The book At The Gates: Disability, Justice and the Churches, co-written with Emily Richardson, aims to make the research accessible to a wide audience.
For a free summary of the research and findings, download a short booklet written in accessible language.
I share research findings with disabled Christians and churches as often as I can. My blog has regular updates, or see a list of recent appearances and writing here.
Other research projects
2020-2021
Case study research for the HeartEdge network on member churches’ work in the areas of culture, compassion, commerce and congregation.
2020
Analysis of research by Sisters of Frida into disabled women’s experiences of inequality during Covid-19 lockdowns. Report co-author, The Impact of COVID-19 on Disabled Women. Submission to Women and Equalities Committee inquiry ‘Unequal Impact’.
2019-2020
Research for Starlight Children’s Foundation into children’s experiences of play in hospitals. Report co-author, The Impact of Children’s Play in Hospitals.