The Perception of Loneliness and Isolation
A report drawn up by the Guttmann Institute reveals that 15.8% of people with disabilities feel isolated, while 17.3% perceive that people are around them, but not with them. This study, based on data collected over two years from a cohort of more than 2,000 people with disabilities resident in Spain and Andorra, highlights the numerous barriers that reduce the participation of this group in society.
Results of the PARTICIPA Study
PARTICIPA is a research study that has collected information on the disability situation in Spain for more than two years. With a sample of older people with an average age of 51.6 years, this study reveals that 58% of the cohort are women and that the most common disability is physical, followed by multiple disabilities, intellectual and the visual
Lack of Decision on Free Time
53.1% of the participants in the study cannot choose how to spend their free time, a situation that is made difficult by barriers to access to housing and other factors. This contributes to the fact that 13.6% of participants say that they never or almost never find company when they want it.
Economic Grievance and Access Difficulties
The results of the project indicate that the average monthly income per person is 1,050 euros, a figure that represents an economic grievance considering the additional expenses for rehabilitation and other therapies. In addition, 71.7% of the participants express difficulties in accessing public space, while 64% encounter barriers in short-distance transport.
Impact on the Work Environment
The study reveals that the pain resulting from the disability hinders the ability to work for 74% of the participants. This highlights the need for a more accessible and inclusive labor market for this group.
Lack of Support for an Independent Life
The main support for the day-to-day activities of people with disabilities is the family, as 65.9% of participants believe that political decisions and inadequate services make their lives more difficult.
