People with learning disabilities' experiences of navigating society and systems

Section A: Presented here, is a systematic review of qualitative literature exploring people with learning disabilities’ experiences of social inclusion and exclusion. A critical appraisal of the 15 included studies is discussed. The studies were synthesised using thematic synthesis. Two major analytic themes emerged: “Striving for an ‘ordinary’ life” and “Being denied an ‘ordinary’ life”. Implications for service- and policy-level changes to alter approaches to promoting social inclusion and develop anti-stigma initiatives are made. Recommendations for future research include understanding social inclusion/exclusion following the Covid-19 pandemic and exploring experiences of personal finances and benefits.

Section B: Presented here, is a study exploring the processes by which people with learning disabilities navigate the UK benefits system. Informed by a constructivist grounded theory methodology, the constructed model identifies 15 interacting categories organised within five concepts: “Being stigmatised and excluded in society”, “The dependence trap”, “Navigating the ‘circles and roundabouts”, “Feeling abused by the system” and “Responding to the system”. Findings highlight the negative impacts of navigating the benefits system on people with learning disabilities’ mental health, identity, and potential for independence. Implications for clinical practice and research are discussed.