Designability seeks people with lived experience of disability to join research project
National charity Designability is inviting six to eight individuals with lived experience of disability to join a new research project as Lived Experience Advisors.
The participants can be disabled, an unpaid carer, or a parent or carer of a disabled child or adult, if they wish to take part on this innovative study focused on disability, independence, and inclusive design.
Designability states that the paid opportunity will help to inform the design of more inclusive products and services through a better understanding of the everyday barriers that can affect independence for disabled people.
The project runs from September 2025 to the end of 2026, and participants can choose how they’d like to be involved. This could be through online workshops, one-to-one chats, or by providing written feedback. The team will work flexibly to support each person’s access needs and preferences.
As part of the role, Lived Experience Advisors will contribute to designing research questions and materials, reviewing documents, testing tools, and helping to share the findings. This could include writing blogs, joining events, or creating short videos, with full support from the Designability team.
Each advisor will be paid £25 per hour, with an estimated total of £775 for their time. Any extra activities, like creating blogs or videos, will be paid for separately. If participants receive welfare benefits, they are encouraged to seek guidance, and Designability can offer information and signposting to relevant resources.
Jim Bowes, CEO of Designability, said: “Everything we do at Designability is shaped through the voices and experiences of disabled people.
“Becoming a Lived Experience Advisor for our new research project will help to inform our priorities over the next three to five years and support our goal of making accessible design the norm. This is an opportunity to help shape how we work and to share the issues that matter most to you.”
Designability welcomes applications from individuals across the UK. To apply, visit here.
Applications are now open until 20th October.
In May 2025 Designability gifted 20 accessible pushchairs to families across the UK following successful early user trials and multiple product award wins.
