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Immediate Release: 10 November 2008
 
New research launched today, reveals a widespread lack of public understanding into the real needs of disabled people, which may be contributing to the spiralling financial hardship that affects the most vulnerable, as the credit crunch hits the job market.
 
The new survey conducted by GfK NOP for UK grant-giving charity, Elizabeth Finn Care, shows that an overall public perception doesn’t link disability with poverty, or recognise the true scale of disability in society, which currently stands at one in every five people of working age.
 
When it comes to work, 35 per cent of the UK population are under the impression that disabled people don’t work for a living. In fact, 48 per cent of disabled people are in work.
 
Some 60 per cent of respondents underestimated the numbers of disabled people and 59 per cent claimed there is no link between disability and poverty.
 
Jonathan Werran, from Elizabeth Finn Care said: “By not facing the scale of disability in society, and failing to empathise with the effects of poverty we   neglect the needs of the most vulnerable.”
 
The majority of the general public agree that meeting the needs of disabled people is an important issue and recognise that disabled people don’t receive the support and training they need, although they are unwilling to see this as unfair treatment in society.
 
Elizabeth Finn Care beneficiary Alex Scott says: “With planned changes to disability and jobseekers allowances looming, and an economic recession biting, now is not a good time to be disabled.
 
“This applies to both the 48 per cent of disabled people in work and those relying solely on benefits.
 
“Although legislation exists to protect the rights of disabled people, in times of economic distress when pressure gets to us all, it can feel like ‘every man for himself’.
 
“A change in people’s hearts and understanding counts as much as statutory rights.”
 
Bryan Clover, Casework Director at Elizabeth Finn Care said: “The overwhelming majority of our beneficiaries consider themselves disabled, so we have a vast knowledge and understanding about how poverty can affect people with disabilities. Often disabled people are the hardest it, and it takes them longer, if at all, to escape the poverty cycle.”
 
ENDS
Notes to Editors
 
1) Elizabeth Finn Care is a leading direct grant-giving charity dedicated to helping those in poverty.
 
2) Elizabeth Finn Care commissioned GfK NOP to conduct the survey of 1,000 people in October 2008.