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Co-researching with people who have intellectual disabilities: insights from a national survey
- Authors:
- O'BRIEN Patricia, McCONKEY Roy, GARCIA-IRIARTE Edurne
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 27(1), 2013, pp.65-75.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
In undertaking a national study exploring what life was like in Ireland for people with intellectual disabilities, a community of practice was developed involving a core group of co-researchers: five people with intellectual disabilities, four university researchers and three service support staff. An additional cadre of 15 co-researchers with intellectual disabilities was recruited to undertake data gathering and analysis with 23 focus groups involving 168 participants. The research experience was documented through oral feedback, progress reports, minutes and a project review. The key learning is documented arising from the setting up of an inclusive advisory group and implementation of each of six research steps. The study demonstrates feasibility and the added value of university co-researchers recruiting and developing skills together with co-researchers with intellectual disabilities. Topics for further research and development are identified. (Edited publisher abstract)
Beyond friendship: the nature and meaning of close personal relationships as perceived by people with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- LAFFERTY Attracta, McCONKEY Roy, TAGGART Laurence
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 28(8), 2013, pp.1074-1088.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study uses a combination of dyadic and one-to-one interviews with eight couples with learning disabilities in Northern Ireland to gain a better understanding of the meaning and value these relationships bring to their lives. Data collection and analysis was informed and guided by the core principles of grounded theory. Five significant types of benefits were identified from having close personal relationships, namely: comradeship, a sense of contentment, availability of mutual support, coping with the ups and downs of relationships, and a continuing commitment. Service providers could do more to facilitate the formation of close meaningful relationships, and strategies for doing this need to be identified and evaluated. (Edited publisher abstract)
Irish attitudes to sexual relationships and people with intellectual disability
- Authors:
- McCONKEY Roy, LEAVEY Gerry
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 41(3), 2013, pp.181-188.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Limited progress has been made in supporting people with intellectual disabilities to form intimate relationships. A critical factor that has been rarely researched is the attitude of the general public which likely has a significant influence on public policy on this issue. Unique to Ireland, are the five-yearly national surveys commissioned by the National Disability Authority that recruit representative samples of over 1000 adult persons. On three occasions in the past 10 years, respondents were asked to rate their agreement that people with various disabilities and with mental health difficulties had the right to fulfilment through sexual relationships and to have children if they wished. Secondary analysis of the 2011 data set identified those persons who were more likely to be in agreement and also the concerns raised by respondents. The findings are discussed in relation to priorities for future research and actions needed to reduce the stigma associated with disability or mental ill health. (Publisher abstract)