In May 2019, Shared Care Scotland commissioned Simon Jaquet Consultancy Services Ltd to undertake research into holiday activity provision for disabled children and young people in Scotland.
Holidays are associated with freedom and fun, and so while most families look forward to some time off, many parents and carers of disabled children find this a very stressful period indeed.
The purpose of this research was therefore to hear experiences first-hand with a view to better understanding what would make a difference to improving both the anticipation, and enjoyment of holidays. We also wanted to hear from providers, and those responsible for planning and commissioning services, to find out about the challenges they face in planning and delivering holiday programmes, and what they think would make things better.
We would like to thank all those that contributed to the surveys, interviews and focus groups, especially the parents and carers, disabled children and young people, but also those from the different stakeholder organisations that we spoke with at both local and national levels. A huge thank you also to the members of the Research Advisory Group whose expert knowledge was instrumental in guiding the work, and to Simon Jaquet and Sally Jaquet (from Simon Jaquet Consultancy Services Ltd) our diligent researchers.
This research report has been finalised at a time when families are facing unprecedented pressures because of the Covid-19 outbreak. Perhaps more than ever, we need to give these families hope – a light on the horizon – that when this is finally over, they will have holidays they can look forward to.
Shared Care Scotland, July 2020
Download the Executive Summary (PDF)
Download the Main Report (PDF)
Download the Appendices (Word) (informal literature review, topic guide and survey questions)