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Inclusion of persons with disabilities in mainstream employment: is it really all about the money? A case study of four large companies in Norway and Sweden
- Authors:
- KUZNETSOVA Yuliya, YALCIN Betul
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 32(2), 2017, pp.233-253.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study investigates how large companies respond to public policy measures to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in mainstream employment based on a case study of four companies in Norway and Sweden. The qualitative interviews, which were conducted with company managers, government representatives in Norway, and non-governmental organisations in Sweden, revealed three overarching themes: (1) ‘legitimacy’, (2) ‘financial interests’ and (3) ‘non-financial support’. The results indicate a more proactive response from the Swedish companies, especially regarding persons with intellectual and learning difficulties. The Norwegian companies reveal a high commitment to their own employees. These findings cannot be explained solely using neo-institutional theory, which holds that organisations demonstrate ‘conformity with powerful institutional myths to strengthen support and secure survival'. The results indicate that inclusive targeted corporate policies and programmes, advisory support, and the agency and value choices of the management might matter more. (Publisher abstract)
Groups for parents with intellectual disabilities: a qualitative analysis of experiences
- Authors:
- GUSTAVSSON Marie, STARKE Mikaela
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 30(4), 2017, pp.638-647.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Parents with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are often socially isolated and need support. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study is based on participant observations of a group for parents with with intellectual disabilities. Data were categorised and interpreted in the framework of social capital and symbolic interactionism. Results: Being a part of the parent group provided parents with a social network, which had the potential to be supportive in everyday life. The social workers in the group were seen as allies, and parents appeared to trust them and felt they could seek advice and tell them about their personal problems. The parents sometimes asked for advice about how to handle contacts with other professionals in their everyday life. The parents valued the social contact with the other parents. Conclusions: The group provided the parents with the opportunity to meet both other parents and two social workers. The group gave a greater number of social relations, adding to the parents' social capital and helping to reduce social isolation. (Publisher abstract)
Development of Pict-O-Stat: violence – focus on experiences of violence and a survey that can be completed by the individuals themselves
- Authors:
- KRISTENSEN Kerstin, MOLLER Anders
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 19(3), 2017, pp.146-157.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to find a method that makes it possible for people with intellectual disabilities to independently contribute to population-based research in areas that is sensitive. It is important to be able to answer questionnaires independently in research areas that are sensitive because the informant maybe does not want to ask for help to answer a questionnaire about sexual violence, domestic violence, etc. Maybe they not even have talked to anyone about their experiences and then have to tell a staff/relative that helps them to complete the survey is probably unthinkable. Design/methodology/approach: To participate in a survey about sensitive issues independently the questions and the methods have to be adapted to the informant’s skills and needs. The questions written in “difficult Swedish” were transcribed into simple language and then tested whether the target group understood the words that describe violent acts. After adjustments another small group tested the method, an Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview (ACASI). After they had completed the survey informants were interviewed about what it was like to participate in the survey. Findings: Preliminary results show that it is possible to independently answer population-based questionnaires, even about sensitive issues, if the researcher offers the possibility to use a web-based ACASI. An ACASI can be used on accessible computers and tablets and can have the same questions that only have to be translated into both easy language and alternative format, such as questions with both text and images and listen to the questions read. Originality/value: Researchers can include people with intellectual disabilities, they just need to give them a chance. It is possible if they translate their questions into an easy language and include alternative format, i.e. using both text and images and be able to listen to the questions and answers, by, for example, using a web-based ACASI. (Publisher abstract)
Increased risk for mental illness, injuries, and violence in children born to mothers with intellectual disability: a register study in Sweden during 1999–2012
- Authors:
- WICKSTROM Maria, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child Abuse and Neglect, 65, 2017, p.124–131.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Several studies have demonstrated that mothers with intellectual disability (ID) have a higher prevalence of mental health illness, lower socio-economic status, and a higher risk of alcohol and drug use compared to mothers without ID. The children of mothers with ID are over-represented in child protection and legal proceedings but are generally a less studied group than the mothers. The aim of this study was to investigate if children born to mothers with ID had an increased risk of being diagnosed with mental illness, injuries, and violence compared with children of mothers without ID. The study comprised a population-based cohort of children born in Sweden between 1999 and 2005. Data were collected from the Medical Birth Register and linked with two other national registers; ICD-10 codes were used for medical diagnoses, including ID. The children were followed from birth to seven years of age. In total, 478,577 children were included, of whom 2749 were born to mothers with ID. Children of mothers with ID were at a greater risk of having mental health problems (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.74–2.35) and ID (OR = 4.14; CI = 2.95–5.82) in early childhood. They had an increased risk for injuries due to falls (OR = 1.15; Cl 1.04–1.27). The largest risk related to trauma was violence and child abuse (OR = 3.11; CI = 1.89–5.12). In conclusion, children of mothers with ID had an increased risk for injuries, violence, and child abuse. The authors suggest that parents with ID should receive evidence based support so that their children receive the best care and protection. (Edited publisher abstract)