The VIPER research project looked at opportunities for young disabled people to have a say in how health and social care services are run, designed and commissioned and found that they face significant barriers preventing them from having a voice when these decisions are being made.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson met with young researchers from the project and says "The message I'd have for services that don't include young disabled people is stop it. It's just wrong not to involve young disabled people. It doesn't matter if you're disabled or non-disabled, you have a right to have an opinion and you bring with that a lot of experience and knowledge about what your impairment means. If you involve young people you'll have not just a better decision but the ongoing process of making things work will be a lot easier."

On Tuesday 26th April the young researchers hosted an event marking the culmination of three years of research. The event brought the young researchers together with an audience of decision makers, academic researchers and local practitioners to discuss their findings and call on the government to take action to support disabled children and young people's participation by ensuring:

Young disabled people have opportunities to participate in all decisions about their lives.
Young disabled people and non-disabled young people have opportunities to participate in decision making together.
Professionals have a clear understanding of disabled young people's participation
Services support participation by meeting young disabled people's access needs.
Young disabled people receive feedback about the difference their participation has made.

Co-chair for the day, VIPER young researcher Rebecca said: "If more services took account of young disabled people views in decision making we would have better and more effective services. Currently young disabled people are not having the opportunity to have their say and this needs to change."

Visit the new VIPER website which showcases the research reports and recommendations alongside practical information, resources and young people's views of the importance of their participation in decision making.