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What Makes a Person Accessible? Exploring the Characteristics of 'Accessible People' from the Perspective of Adults with Learning Disabilities

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Title: What Makes a Person Accessible? Exploring the Characteristics of 'Accessible People' from the Perspective of Adults with Learning Disabilities
Language: English
Authors: Melissa L. Kirby (ORCID 0000-0002-1095-1008), Karen Burland (ORCID 0000-0003-0066-0132), Freya Bailes (ORCID 0000-0003-2723-3579), Charlie Barker, Tracey Anne Barrett, John Bartle, Leanne Hazelgrave, Liam Hirst, Joanne Hepworth, Ella Schofield, Janine Waterman
Source: British Journal of Learning Disabilities. 2026 54(2):254-262.
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 9
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Accessibility (for Disabled), Learning Disabilities, Individual Characteristics, Personality Traits, Sharing Behavior, Helping Relationship
DOI: 10.1111/bld.70032
ISSN: 1354-4187
1468-3156
Abstract: Background: Previous research has investigated the factors that promote or reduce accessibility for people with learning disabilities. However, the role of people in facilitating accessible spaces, experiences and services and the characteristics on individuals that make them 'accessible' has been under-considered. Methods: The present study reports on the findings from a participatory action doctoral research project. Seven people with learning disabilities were recruited and trained as co-researchers on the project. Co-researchers investigated the concept of 'Accessible People' via group discussion, drawings and poetry. Findings: People were considered to positively or negatively influence accessibility in a range of contexts. Thematic analyses revealed 10 characteristics of Accessible People. Characteristics included interpersonal qualities (such as being open-minded, friendly and welcoming and helpful and supportive) and competency-based qualities (including knowledge of learning disabilities and being easy to communicate with). Conclusions: Accessible people were reported to play a crucial role in supporting the accessibility of spaces, activities and experiences. Embodiment of the characteristics of accessible people may enhance accessibility for people with learning disabilities in a variety of contexts.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1505980
Database: ERIC
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  Data: What Makes a Person Accessible? Exploring the Characteristics of 'Accessible People' from the Perspective of Adults with Learning Disabilities
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Melissa+L%2E+Kirby%22">Melissa L. Kirby</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1095-1008">0000-0002-1095-1008</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Karen+Burland%22">Karen Burland</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0066-0132">0000-0003-0066-0132</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Freya+Bailes%22">Freya Bailes</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2723-3579">0000-0003-2723-3579</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Charlie+Barker%22">Charlie Barker</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Tracey+Anne+Barrett%22">Tracey Anne Barrett</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22John+Bartle%22">John Bartle</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Leanne+Hazelgrave%22">Leanne Hazelgrave</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Liam+Hirst%22">Liam Hirst</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Joanne+Hepworth%22">Joanne Hepworth</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Ella+Schofield%22">Ella Schofield</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Janine+Waterman%22">Janine Waterman</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22British+Journal+of+Learning+Disabilities%22"><i>British Journal of Learning Disabilities</i></searchLink>. 2026 54(2):254-262.
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  Data: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
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  Data: 9
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Accessibility+%28for+Disabled%29%22">Accessibility (for Disabled)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Learning+Disabilities%22">Learning Disabilities</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Individual+Characteristics%22">Individual Characteristics</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Personality+Traits%22">Personality Traits</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Sharing+Behavior%22">Sharing Behavior</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Helping+Relationship%22">Helping Relationship</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1111/bld.70032
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  Data: 1354-4187<br />1468-3156
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  Data: Background: Previous research has investigated the factors that promote or reduce accessibility for people with learning disabilities. However, the role of people in facilitating accessible spaces, experiences and services and the characteristics on individuals that make them 'accessible' has been under-considered. Methods: The present study reports on the findings from a participatory action doctoral research project. Seven people with learning disabilities were recruited and trained as co-researchers on the project. Co-researchers investigated the concept of 'Accessible People' via group discussion, drawings and poetry. Findings: People were considered to positively or negatively influence accessibility in a range of contexts. Thematic analyses revealed 10 characteristics of Accessible People. Characteristics included interpersonal qualities (such as being open-minded, friendly and welcoming and helpful and supportive) and competency-based qualities (including knowledge of learning disabilities and being easy to communicate with). Conclusions: Accessible people were reported to play a crucial role in supporting the accessibility of spaces, activities and experiences. Embodiment of the characteristics of accessible people may enhance accessibility for people with learning disabilities in a variety of contexts.
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