Living through heatwaves: Experiences of Disabled people in the UK

Hollye Kirkcaldy, a PhD student at the University of Bath, is researching the experiences and impacts of extreme heatwaves among Disabled people in the UK. Disabled people are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change-related extreme weather but have been largely overlooked in both research and policy to date.

This summer, she is looking to interview people who identify as Disabled about how extremely hot weather affects their daily lives. She is interested in learning about how disability shapes their experiences of extreme heat, identify any factors that make it easier or harder to cope during extended periods of hot weather and better understand how we can make UK climate change planning more inclusive in future.

Hollye is looking to interview individuals who: 

• Identify as Disabled (no medical diagnosis needed)
• Are over the age of 16
• Have lived in the UK during a heatwave (at least three days of extremely hot weather)
• Are able to talk or write about their experiences, either independently or with support.

For this study, individuals who currently live in a care home, residential facility or other institutional settings such as a hospital will not be eligible to take part. Individuals who do not have full capacity to consent will also be ineligible.

Expected commitment: 

Participants would take part in a one-to-one interview with the researcher lasting no longer than 60 – 90 minutes. The interview would take place as soon as possible after a heatwave between the start of June and the end of September, and can be completed in-person, online (Teams), over the phone or via email, depending on the individuals’ preference and location.

Closing date to apply: 10^th  September 2025

To make the study as accessible as possible and lower the barriers to participation, participant recruitment for this study is based on self-identification of disability with no formal medical diagnosis requirements.

The interview format and time is flexible. Depending on participant preference and any logistical practicalities, the interview could take place:

• In person (at the University of Bath or at another convenient public location)
• Online via Microsoft Teams
• Over the telephone
• Via email in written format for those who find verbal communication challenging

Participant caregivers are welcome to join the interviews to offer support. An EasyRead version of both the study information sheet and consent forms are available.

The research team will assess and accommodate the specific communication needs of participants, within reason, on an individual basis to ensure this study is as inclusive and accessible as it can be. Accommodations will be made where possible to support participants with diverse communication needs, and participants will be encouraged to highlight any specific needs when they express initial interest in taking part. For example, prospective participants who are Deaf or have hearing loss have the option to carry out the interview in text format via email. Unfortunately, due to the financial constraints of this PhD study, no sign language interpreter will be made available, but participants will be welcome to use their own interpreter (e.g. carer, family member) if they wish.