Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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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)
Issues emanating from the implementation of policies on restraint use with people with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- RICKARD Eion David, CHAN Jeffrey, MERRIMAN Brian
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 10(3), 2013, pp.252-259.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This article first outlines some of the negative consequences of restraint use that have led to minimal use policies and then outlines some of the alternative interventions and strategies that are emerging as alternatives. Recent changes in the regulation of restraint use in the Republic of Ireland and the state of Victoria in Australia are then examined, to show how cultural and historical contexts of policy can lead to differences. The authors argue that a gap remains between our understanding of the place of implementing restrictive practices with respect to service provision and their actual applications by providers. They conclude that such discordance between policy and practice needs to be addressed by stronger regulation. (Original abstract)
Exploring the issue of employment for adults with an intellectual disability in Ireland
- Authors:
- McGLINCHEY Eimear, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 26(4), 2013, pp.335-343.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: The benefits of being in employment are well documented; however, underemployment is a critical issue for people with intellectual disability (ID). Some individuals perceive themselves as being in employment when in fact they are attending a non-work site such as a day service. The impact that this perception of employment has on other areas in life has not been investigated and research into this area could have implications for both policy makers and service providers. Materials and Methods: The first wave of the intellectual disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) included a series of questions on employment that yielded data for a representative sample of 753 participants with intellectual disability aged 40 and over randomly selected from Ireland's National Intellectual Disability Database (NIDD). Results and Discussion: Overall, 6.6% of the population were in real paid employment, 7.4% in perceived employment, 12% in sheltered employment and 73.5% were unemployed. Differences were identified between these two groups in relation to social activities, levels of depression and self-rated health. Further investigation is needed into the area of perceived employment. (Publisher abstract)
Family voices: life for family carers of people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland
- Authors:
- CHADWICK Darren D., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 26(2), 2013, pp.119-132.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Families in Ireland remain the main providers of support for people with Intellectual disabilities, and the aim of this study was to map their life experiences whilst involving their family members as co-researchers. The qualitative, participatory study involved 10 focus groups attended by 70 parents and siblings of people with intellectual disabilities. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Caring for a family member with intellectual disabilities was found to be a dynamic and adaptive process. The well-being of the family and the challenges they face throughout their lives was the central theme identified. This was affected by: the availability of appropriate supports for families and having to advocate for them, communication and relationships with services and professionals, the availability of information and attitudes towards disability and governmental support. Strategies are suggested as to how services can better support family carers in Ireland in their role. These include families being provided with flexible and timely support for families at critical times; being offered services, support, entitlements and information without having to fight for them; knowing that their family member with intellectual disabilities is well cared for, listened to and provided with opportunities to develop and be part of the community; and carers being shown respect, listened to and involved in decisions. (Edited publisher abstract)
Future need of ageing people with an intellectual disability in the Republic of Ireland: lessons learned from the literature
- Authors:
- DOODY Catriona M., MARKEY Kathleen, DOODY Owen
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 41(1), 2013, pp.13-21.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This article synthesises current literature regarding ageing and service provision for people with an intellectual disability. It presents the context of intellectual disability in Ireland and ageing for people with intellectual disability in relation to increased longevity and service provision. Searches were conducted through electronic databases (EBSCO and CINAHL) retrieving literature published between 1980 and 2010. Computerised searches using the terms, ‘old age, aged, ageing, ageing, mortality, morbidity’, were used in conjunction with the terms ‘intellectual disability, mental handicap and mental retardation’. The review found that Ireland has and is seeing a dramatic change in the age profile of clients and the support services they require. While Ireland had specifically trained nurses in intellectual disability, they predominately work in residential settings. This can be seen as been at odds with the philosophy of supporting people with intellectual disability live at home with their family and the primary care system. As the ageing population is rising, intellectual disability services need to proactively develop and respond to this changing age profile by reviewing and adjusting the way in which they deliver services, not only in terms of how services develop and respond to a changing age profile but also in terms of collaborative working across all health services. (Edited publisher abstract)
Inclusive research: making a difference to policy and legislation
- Authors:
- JOHNSON Kelley, MINOGUE Gerard, HOPKLINS Rob
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 27(1), 2013, pp.76-84.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
While inclusive research has become an important stream in research with people with intellectual disabilities, there is a tension between the possibly empowering research process and the strength of the research itself to make social change happen. This paper explores the contribution of two inclusive qualitative research studies in Australia and the Republic of Ireland to change in policy and legislation. Both studies used qualitative methods including life stories and focus groups to explore the issue of sexuality and relationships. In both studies, people with intellectual disabilities were actively involved in undertaking the research. Both studies revealed that it was difficult for people with intellectual disabilities to express their sexuality openly or to form adult relationships. Both studies were used by people with intellectual disabilities and their supporters to promote change in which they had a heard voice. (Publisher abstract)
Psychotropic medications and adults with intellectual disabilities: care staff perspectives
- Author:
- LALOR John
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 7(6), 2013, pp.333-345.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Adults with intellectual disabilities are the most psychotropically medicated population of all. Non-medically trained care staff with whom these individuals spend the majority of their time are generally poorly trained in issues surrounding psychotropic medication. Much of the research related to the experiences of staff working in intellectual disability services has focused on medically trained professionals, and clients, and has been of a quantitative nature. Very little attention has been paid to care staff, their experiences, and through a qualitative approach. In this study semi-structured interviews were used to explore the experiences of, and impact on, care staff in relation to psychotropic medication usage in adults with intellectual disabilities living in long-term residential care. Eight full-time, experienced care staff from service in Dublin were interviewed and data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The paper demonstrates the concerns for staff, such as the negative impact upon client quality-of-life, the ethical implications of the medications’ regime, and the relationship perceived by care staff with the organisation management; and a significant lack of training. The limited field of previous research demographically comparable to the present paper was analysed for findings. (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)
Identifying the types of technology that are used by children with intellectual disabilities and associated complex needs living at home in Ireland
- Authors:
- NICHOLL Honor, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 41(3), 2013, pp.229-236.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Within the literature, there is evidence that caring for children with complex needs, includes the management of equipment and resources. This mixed method study identifies the range of technology used by children with complex needs and identifies issues of concern for parents. Data were collected using a specifically designed questionnaire which was administered by telephone survey and personal contact with parents of children with complex needs. Findings indicated that children with intellectual disabilities and associated complex needs require the use of high levels of technology to maintain their health and well-being. On average, families identified that 22 pieces of equipment were used by their child. This study is significant in identifying technology used in the home for the care of children with intellectual disabilities and associated complex needs. Associated issues concerning the use and management of this technology are also highlighted. Areas in need of development include provision of supporting mechanisms for parents to meet the daily requirements of their child in the home. (Edited publisher abstract)
Exploring fathers’ perceptions of parenting a child with Asperger syndrome
- Authors:
- O'HALLORAN Maeve, SWEENEY John, DOODY Owen
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 17(3), 2013, pp.198-213.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
This study explores Irish fathers’ perceptions of parenting a child with Asperger syndrome (AS). Ethical approval was granted by the service provider, and Husserlian phenomenological approach facilitated the exploration. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews of nine fathers in the West region of Ireland. Data were transcribed and analysed using Colaizzi’s (1978) method. The study highlighted that parenting a child with AS is an arduous task, but while there are difficulties, many positive aspects to their parenting experience were reported. Overall, the study highlights the importance of listening to parents and their initial concerns regarding their child’s development. (Publisher abstract)