This gaps analysis was carried out as part of an evaluation of A Dynamic Future, a project to support and improve the transition process for disabled young people aged 14-25 living in Wrexham and their families. The analysis identified a number of gaps which are currently addressed by the project, which suggests that if the project were no longer funded, it would leave a group of young people unsupported. The analysis found that it is the only local service offering transition support related to education, training and employment which specifically targets disabled young people. The service also fills a gap by offering support to young people who do not meet the threshold for statutory transition support. The gaps analysis and final evaluation also identified additional gaps in local service provision which could addressed by A Dynamic Future if continuation funding is made available.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This gaps analysis was carried out as part of an evaluation of A Dynamic Future, a project to support and improve the transition process for disabled young people aged 14-25 living in Wrexham and their families. The analysis identified a number of gaps which are currently addressed by the project, which suggests that if the project were no longer funded, it would leave a group of young people unsupported. The analysis found that it is the only local service offering transition support related to education, training and employment which specifically targets disabled young people. The service also fills a gap by offering support to young people who do not meet the threshold for statutory transition support. The gaps analysis and final evaluation also identified additional gaps in local service provision which could addressed by A Dynamic Future if continuation funding is made available.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
intervention, young people, disabilities, service transitions, independence, education, employment, evaluation, young adults, life skills;
... features such as automated medication prompts. CleverCogs™ was developed by Blackwood Homes and Care, a housing and care provider specialising in homes and care services for people with disabilities in Scotland. The evaluation was undertaken with Just Economics, Blackwood Housing and Scottish Government. The evaluation draws on a survey of 56 customers (including 20 care home residents), a staff survey that the system provides an effective way of improving digital inclusion of older people with disabilities and is also effective for improving life satisfaction.
(Edited publisher abstract)
A summary report of the evaluation of CleverCogs™, a digital care and support system designed to increase digital participation in adults receiving care and support and enable increased use of Technology Enabled Care. CleverCogs™ is delivered via a handheld touchscreen device (tablet) and provides ‘simplified access’ to the internet and can support the delivery of Technology Enabled Care, through features such as automated medication prompts. CleverCogs™ was developed by Blackwood Homes and Care, a housing and care provider specialising in homes and care services for people with disabilities in Scotland. The evaluation was undertaken with Just Economics, Blackwood Housing and Scottish Government. The evaluation draws on a survey of 56 customers (including 20 care home residents), a staff survey and a time and motion study across five Blackwood Housing pilot sites. This report summarises findings for the following short time outcomes: digital participation, time spend on meaningful activities, self-management of health condition, mental well-being, reduced social isolation, improved independence, efficiency savings, and improved quality of care and support package. The findings suggest that the system provides an effective way of improving digital inclusion of older people with disabilities and is also effective for improving life satisfaction.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
evaluation, internet, older people, disabilities, digital technology, case studies, social value, wellbeing, quality of life, independence;
Summarises the findings of Coram’s evaluation of the Innovation in Social Care Assessments for Disabled Children and Young People Programme, which was led by the Council for Disabled Children (CDC). The programme helped 5 local authorities (Cornwall Council, London Borough of Bromley, London Borough of Enfield, West Sussex County Council and City of York Council) to develop new approaches to assess disabled children and young people (DCYP) and their families for support. Each local authority utilised the CDC Learning and Innovation Model to co-produce new assessment approaches to test. The evaluation looks at the effectiveness of the CDC Learning Model and the new assessment approaches. The new approaches covered the themes: enquiry, referral and assessment processes; volunteer support services; information for parent carers; upskilling and resources for professionals; and information and tools for DCYP. The evaluation found the CDC model provided a space and framework for experimenting with new and innovative approaches. It also led to the development of approaches that showed promising signs of reducing cost while maintaining a good parent carer experience. Useful learning from the project included: an understanding of how co-production could create innovative solutions and support a change process; the use of non-social worker roles in the assessment of DCYP; and alternative enquiry, referral and assessment routes for DCYP and families with lower level needs, and the use of different media in advertising local services.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Summarises the findings of Coram’s evaluation of the Innovation in Social Care Assessments for Disabled Children and Young People Programme, which was led by the Council for Disabled Children (CDC). The programme helped 5 local authorities (Cornwall Council, London Borough of Bromley, London Borough of Enfield, West Sussex County Council and City of York Council) to develop new approaches to assess disabled children and young people (DCYP) and their families for support. Each local authority utilised the CDC Learning and Innovation Model to co-produce new assessment approaches to test. The evaluation looks at the effectiveness of the CDC Learning Model and the new assessment approaches. The new approaches covered the themes: enquiry, referral and assessment processes; volunteer support services; information for parent carers; upskilling and resources for professionals; and information and tools for DCYP. The evaluation found the CDC model provided a space and framework for experimenting with new and innovative approaches. It also led to the development of approaches that showed promising signs of reducing cost while maintaining a good parent carer experience. Useful learning from the project included: an understanding of how co-production could create innovative solutions and support a change process; the use of non-social worker roles in the assessment of DCYP; and alternative enquiry, referral and assessment routes for DCYP and families with lower level needs, and the use of different media in advertising local services.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
co-production, models, assessment, disabilities, families, children, young people, evaluation, local authorities, needs;
An independent evaluation of a programme to increase the opportunities people with lived experience of disability, mental health issues and long-term health conditions, to get active, including people in receipt of personal budgets regularly participating in physical activity or sport. The programme was led by Disability Rights UK between February 2015 and March 2019. The programme evolved into three strands: Local Coordinators which operated across 2 sites; Supporting social workers across 8 sites; and Co-production by supporting DPULOs and sports providers across 3 sites. The main barrier to participation identified within the programme was a lack of knowledge about accessible opportunities. The evaluation found good evidence that the three, interconnected strands have helped to overcome barriers and make a positive difference in the lives of disabled people, as well as to the work of sports providers and health and social care professionals. The Local Coordinators strand increased the proportion of respondents who undertook physical activity; and over half social workers who responded to a survey felt that the training and guidelines had made a difference to their practice. Although the Co-production initiatives took time to develop, there was some evidence to suggest this was helping to improve provision, including small changes to sports facilities and services to make them work better for disabled people. Recommendations to build on the successes and lessons of the programme are included.
(Edited publisher abstract)
An independent evaluation of a programme to increase the opportunities people with lived experience of disability, mental health issues and long-term health conditions, to get active, including people in receipt of personal budgets regularly participating in physical activity or sport. The programme was led by Disability Rights UK between February 2015 and March 2019. The programme evolved into three strands: Local Coordinators which operated across 2 sites; Supporting social workers across 8 sites; and Co-production by supporting DPULOs and sports providers across 3 sites. The main barrier to participation identified within the programme was a lack of knowledge about accessible opportunities. The evaluation found good evidence that the three, interconnected strands have helped to overcome barriers and make a positive difference in the lives of disabled people, as well as to the work of sports providers and health and social care professionals. The Local Coordinators strand increased the proportion of respondents who undertook physical activity; and over half social workers who responded to a survey felt that the training and guidelines had made a difference to their practice. Although the Co-production initiatives took time to develop, there was some evidence to suggest this was helping to improve provision, including small changes to sports facilities and services to make them work better for disabled people. Recommendations to build on the successes and lessons of the programme are included.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
physical exercise, social workers, sport, co-production, evaluation, access to services, personal budgets, training, disabilities, mental health problems, long term conditions, outcomes;
Final report of the evaluation of a five year project to support and improve the transition process for disabled young people aged 14-25 living in Wrexham and their families. The evaluation ran from September 2017 to August 2018, covering the full five-year period of the project. The evaluation approach included: review of literature; analysis of monitoring and outcomes data; and consultation with young people, their family members, project staff and other local organisations. A total of 199 young people accessed the project between 2013 and 2018, engaging with the project for eight months. The final evaluation found evidence that the project offers person-centred support to young people which is both more intensive and longer in duration than originally anticipated. It also found the support was valued by young people, families and other local organisations, who saw the person-centred practical focus of the project as key strengths. Young people were able to achieve a number of positive outcomes, including: engaging or remaining engaged with education, training and employment opportunities; becoming less socially isolated and developing improved social networks; increasing confidence and independence; and building practical life skills. Estimates produced as part of the evaluation suggest that the project may be achieving net cost avoidance as a result of reducing the number of young people who are NEET of between £3,415,424 and £6,225,024. This equates to a return on investment of between £3.93 and £7.16 for every £1 spent. The report also makes recommendations for the future development of the project.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Final report of the evaluation of a five year project to support and improve the transition process for disabled young people aged 14-25 living in Wrexham and their families. The evaluation ran from September 2017 to August 2018, covering the full five-year period of the project. The evaluation approach included: review of literature; analysis of monitoring and outcomes data; and consultation with young people, their family members, project staff and other local organisations. A total of 199 young people accessed the project between 2013 and 2018, engaging with the project for eight months. The final evaluation found evidence that the project offers person-centred support to young people which is both more intensive and longer in duration than originally anticipated. It also found the support was valued by young people, families and other local organisations, who saw the person-centred practical focus of the project as key strengths. Young people were able to achieve a number of positive outcomes, including: engaging or remaining engaged with education, training and employment opportunities; becoming less socially isolated and developing improved social networks; increasing confidence and independence; and building practical life skills. Estimates produced as part of the evaluation suggest that the project may be achieving net cost avoidance as a result of reducing the number of young people who are NEET of between £3,415,424 and £6,225,024. This equates to a return on investment of between £3.93 and £7.16 for every £1 spent. The report also makes recommendations for the future development of the project.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
evaluation, disabilities, young people, service transitions, person-centred care, families, costs, life skills, social skills, independence, intervention, learning disabilities, autistic spectrum conditions, ADHD;
An evaluation of ‘Building Bridges’, a four year project which worked with 226 young disabled young people aged between 14 and 25 to raise self esteem, social networks and confidence, further social inclusion, and support transition to adulthood. Evaluation methods included analysis of project data, focus groups and interviews with parents and young people, and interviews with volunteers and statutory partners. The evaluation found the project met or exceeded all of its four objectives and six indicators. Each year the project provided more than 48 activities to enable young people to gain new experiences and has worked with 46 community groups and organisations to further the inclusion of disabled young people. It has also found 75 volunteer work placements for young people, supported 26 young people to gain paid employment and 90 young people to gain skills for travelling independently. The report also briefly describes the three models of innovative practice used by the project - an empowerment model, a key working and family support model, and a progression model. The project was based in Monmouthshire and funded by The Big Lottery Fund under the Bright New Future’s programme.
(Edited publisher abstract)
An evaluation of ‘Building Bridges’, a four year project which worked with 226 young disabled young people aged between 14 and 25 to raise self esteem, social networks and confidence, further social inclusion, and support transition to adulthood. Evaluation methods included analysis of project data, focus groups and interviews with parents and young people, and interviews with volunteers and statutory partners. The evaluation found the project met or exceeded all of its four objectives and six indicators. Each year the project provided more than 48 activities to enable young people to gain new experiences and has worked with 46 community groups and organisations to further the inclusion of disabled young people. It has also found 75 volunteer work placements for young people, supported 26 young people to gain paid employment and 90 young people to gain skills for travelling independently. The report also briefly describes the three models of innovative practice used by the project - an empowerment model, a key working and family support model, and a progression model. The project was based in Monmouthshire and funded by The Big Lottery Fund under the Bright New Future’s programme.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
evaluation, disabilities, young people, young adults, social transitions, self-esteem, intervention, social networks, social inclusion, skills, social isolation, access to services;
BACKGROUND: The integration of smart home technology to support health and social care is acquiring an increasing global significance. Provision is framed within the context of a rapidly changing population profile, which is impacting on the number of people requiring health and social care, workforce availability and the funding of healthcare systems. OBJECTIVES: To explore the effectiveness of smart home technologies as an intervention for people with physical disability, cognitive impairment or learning disability, who are living at home, and to consider the impact on the individual's health status and on the financial resources of health care. SEARCH STRATEGY: The following databases were searched for primary studies: (a) the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) Group Register, (b) the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), (The Cochrane Library, issue 1, 2007), and (c) bibliographic databases, including MEDLINE (1966 to March 2007), EMBASE (1980 to March 2007) and CINAHL (1982 to March 2007). The Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness (DARE) was also searched. A strategy developed by the EPOC Trials Search Co-ordinator was used to search the electronic databases. SELECTION CRITERIA:
Study types included: randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental studies, controlled before and after studies (CBAs) and interrupted time series analyses (ITS). Participants included adults over the age of 18, living in their home in a community setting. Participants with a physical disability, dementia or a learning disability were included. The included interventions were social alarms, electronic assistive devices, telecare social alert platforms, environmental control systems, automated home environments and 'ubiquitous homes'. Outcome measures included any objective measure that records an impact on a participant's quality of life, healthcare professional workload, economic outcomes, costs to healthcare provider or costs to participant. The included measures were service satisfaction, device satisfaction and healthcare professional attitudes or satisfaction. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: One review author completed the search strategy with the support of a life and health sciences librarian. Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts of results. MAIN RESULTS:
No studies were identified which met the inclusion criteria. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the current lack of empirical evidence to support or refute the use of smart home technologies within health and social care, which is significant for practitioners and healthcare consumers.
(Edited publisher abstract)
BACKGROUND: The integration of smart home technology to support health and social care is acquiring an increasing global significance. Provision is framed within the context of a rapidly changing population profile, which is impacting on the number of people requiring health and social care, workforce availability and the funding of healthcare systems. OBJECTIVES: To explore the effectiveness of smart home technologies as an intervention for people with physical disability, cognitive impairment or learning disability, who are living at home, and to consider the impact on the individual's health status and on the financial resources of health care. SEARCH STRATEGY: The following databases were searched for primary studies: (a) the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) Group Register, (b) the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), (The Cochrane Library, issue 1, 2007), and (c) bibliographic databases, including MEDLINE (1966 to March 2007), EMBASE (1980 to March 2007) and CINAHL (1982 to March 2007). The Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness (DARE) was also searched. A strategy developed by the EPOC Trials Search Co-ordinator was used to search the electronic databases. SELECTION CRITERIA:
Study types included: randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental studies, controlled before and after studies (CBAs) and interrupted time series analyses (ITS). Participants included adults over the age of 18, living in their home in a community setting. Participants with a physical disability, dementia or a learning disability were included. The included interventions were social alarms, electronic assistive devices, telecare social alert platforms, environmental control systems, automated home environments and 'ubiquitous homes'. Outcome measures included any objective measure that records an impact on a participant's quality of life, healthcare professional workload, economic outcomes, costs to healthcare provider or costs to participant. The included measures were service satisfaction, device satisfaction and healthcare professional attitudes or satisfaction. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: One review author completed the search strategy with the support of a life and health sciences librarian. Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts of results. MAIN RESULTS:
No studies were identified which met the inclusion criteria. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the current lack of empirical evidence to support or refute the use of smart home technologies within health and social care, which is significant for practitioners and healthcare consumers.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
assistive technology, social care, information technology, systematic reviews, evaluation, intervention, cost effectiveness, health care, home adaptations, disabilities, learning disabilities, cognitive impairment, supported living, supported housing;