Project: Awareness, Diversity, Togetherness: Communicating Disability with Empathy
Ethics Approval: COA No: REC-BSRU (COA No. 681003
We’re studying how families in Thailand access disability information and related support services. Your story can help make the system clearer, kinder, and more supportive for families and professionals.
Who can take part
Caregivers (all must apply)
- You are a parent or primary caregiver of a neurodivergent person (for example: a person with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Down syndrome, learning difference),
- The person is 12 years or older,
- In the last 5 years, you have looked for or used disability-related information or services on their behalf (for example: appointments, healthcare and therapies, social services, and/or benefits),
- You have applied for, will apply for, or have tried to apply for, official disability certification and/or the Thai Persons with Disabilities (PWD) ID card for them.
What participation involves
- One session, focus group with other parents
- The session will last about 90 minutes.
- Join online or on-site at Steps, (choose what is easier for you)
- We’ll do our best to match your availability and schedule a convenient session.
Your rights and protections
- Voluntary: Taking part is your choice. You can stop at any time without losing any rights or benefits.
- Privacy: If we use your story in any reports, we will not include your name or identifying details. We ask all participants to keep the discussion private; however, confidentiality in a group setting cannot be guaranteed.
- Data protection: We store data securely and follow Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). You can read more in the NWRC PDPA Policy.
Why your voice matters
- Help families and professionals talk about disability, and how to access services and support, clearly and respectfully
- Shape resources that make healthcare more accessible and compassionate.
- Inform training and policy so Thai healthcare services become more inclusive and responsive.
How to join
Register your interest here
After you register, we will send you:
- A research information sheet with more information about the project and how your information will be used.
- A consent form.
- A list of available dates and options for joining.
What happens next
- We will confirm your session time and format, and share discussion topics in advance.
- You can skip any question you do not want to answer.
About this project
This privately-funded, three-year project gathers experiences from people with disabilities, neurodivergent adults, and caregivers (Year 1). We then share insights with hospitals and healthcare professionals (Year 2), and co-design practical training, tools, and workshops to improve communication and understanding (Year 3).
Led by Steps, through the Neurodiversity at Work Research Centre, in collaboration with healthcare and community partners, the project will produce:
- Practical communication tools that help doctors, therapists, and families speak about disability-related information, support and services with clarity and respect.
- Caregiver toolkits that give families step-by-step guidance on accessing healthcare, education, and support services.
- Training and policy recommendations for hospitals and government agencies to make services more inclusive and responsive.
Goal: Make information and support pathways for families easier to navigate, more understanding of neurodiversity, and better connected to long-term employment and quality-of-life outcomes for people with disabilities.
Questions?
Contact nwrc@stepscommunity.com.
If you require accessibility adjustments such as a sign language interpreter, quiet space, or preferred communication method, please let us know when you register.