Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Ordinary language use and the social construction of dyslexia
- Author:
- COLLINSON Craig
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 35(6), 2020, pp.993-1006.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The dyslexia debate remains a contentious and difficult academic field. The authors positioning is that of a dyslexic, and a philosopher, and as such he does not question the existence of dyslexics only how they might understand that existence. This paper rejects the value of dyslexia as a concept; instead the author suggests we should recognise the existence of dyslexics as a socially constructed and Othered group. The author suggests that the concept of Lexism (normative beliefs and practices of literacy) enables us to understand dyslexic ontology more clearly. The author utilizes ordinary language philosophy, a philosophical approach, to investigate the social construction of dyslexia. The author proposes a thought experiment of a fictitious disability (‘Dyscomputia’), as a comparable case, to highlight a misconception within the concept of dyslexia. ‘Dyscomputia’ is, of course, a nonsense, but it enables us to see the problematic beliefs behind the concept ‘dyslexia’ (or any equivalent term) (Edited publisher abstract)
Care staff perceptions of choking incidents: what details are reported?
- Authors:
- GUTHRIE Susan, LECKO Caroline, RODDAM Hazel
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 28(2), 2015, pp.121-132.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Following a series of fatal choking incidents in one UK specialist service, this study evaluated the detail included in incident reporting. This study compared the enhanced reporting system in the specialist service with the national reporting and learning system. Methods: Eligible reports were selected from a national organisation and a specialist service using search terms relevant to adults with intellectual disability and/or mental ill health. Qualitative analysis was completed with comparison of themes identified in both sets of reports. Findings: The numbers of choking incidents identified in national reports suggest under-reporting compared with the specialist service and varying levels of severity. Themes included trends in timing, care setting and food textures as perceived by staff. Conclusions: This study demonstrates paucity of detail in reporting in systems without additional question prompts. Adding these questions requires staff to include greater detail which enables learning and risk mitigation to take place. (Edited publisher abstract)
Research unpacked: damage limitation
- Authors:
- HESLOP Pauline, MACAULAY Fiona
- Journal article citation:
- Learning Disability Today, 10(1), January 2010, pp.16-18.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
This article describes a study which looked at how people with learning disabilities who self-injure make sense of their self-injury and what they say would help most. Twenty-five people with learning disabilities and personal experience of self-injury took part in 1 to 4 research interviews between 2006 and 2008. All the participants were able to describe examples of circumstances leading up to their self-injury. These included external factors over which the participant had little control such as not being listened to, interpersonal factors such as being bullied, and internal factors caused for example by particular thoughts or memories. The participants identified the feelings they experienced before self-injuring, the most common being angry, sad, depressed, low, frustrated, or wound up. Over three-quarters of the participants considered that having someone to talk to who would listen to them would help, and also wanted someone to help look after their injuries. Being encouraged not to self-injure was considered helpful by some and unhelpful by others. The article concludes that the results challenge existing practice which considers that nothing can be done, and indicate the need to work with each person individually to help them use coping strategies. Creating conditions where people with learning disabilities have choice and control over their lives is also important.
Architects of reform
- Author:
- KAEHNE Axel
- Journal article citation:
- Learning Disability Today, 9(5), July 2009, pp.34-36.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
Highlights the key themes from a series of research papers delivered at a round table summit involving academics and practitioners from the US, UK, Netherlands, Germany and Australia looking at what really improves lives for people with learning disabilities.
Challenging behaviours: prevalence and topographies
- Authors:
- LOWE K., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 51(8), August 2007, pp.625-636.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Variations in reported prevalence of challenging behaviour indicate the need for further epidemiological research to support accurate planning of future service provision. All services providing for people with learning disabilities across seven unitary authorities, with a total population of 1.2 million, were screened to identify people with challenging behaviour. Interviews were conducted with primary carers to gain data on identified individuals' characteristics and support. Measures designed for a similar study conducted in Manchester University were incorporated to allow direct comparison with earlier findings, together with standardized tools to assess adaptive behaviour and social impairment. In total, 4.5 (2.5–7.5) people per 10,000 population were rated as seriously challenging, representing 10% (5.5–16.8%) of the learning disability population; the most prevalent general form was other difficult/disruptive behaviour, with non-compliance being the most prevalent topography. The majority showed multiple behaviours and multiple topographies within each general behaviour category. Also identified were substantial numbers of additional people reported as presenting challenging behaviours at lower degrees of severity. Prevalence rates for seriously challenging behaviours were comparable to those reported in the earlier studies, thus confirming previous findings. The prevalence of less serious challenging behaviour also has major clinical significance and emphasizes the need for enhanced understanding and skills among personnel within primary- and secondary-tier health, education and social care services, and for strengthening the capacity of community teams to provide behavioural expertise.
Symbols can improve the reading comprehension of adults with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- JONES F.W., LONG K., FINLAY W.M.L.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 51(7), July 2007, pp.545-550.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study aimed to test the hypothesis that adding symbols to written text can improve its comprehensibility for adults with learning disabilities. Nineteen adults with mild or borderline learning disabilities attempted to read four short passages of text, two of which had Widgit Rebus symbols added to them. Following each passage, they were asked questions to test their comprehension. A counterbalanced design was employed. Participants’ comprehension scores were significantly higher for the symbolized passages than the non-symbolized ones. It is concluded that adding symbols to written text can make comprehension easier for some adults with mild and borderline learning disabilities.
Hidden lives and deaths: the last months of life of people with intellectual disabilities living in long-term, generic care settings in the UK
- Authors:
- TODD Stuart, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 34(6), 2021, pp.1489-1498.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Rationale: This paper concerns mortality and needs for end-of-life care in a population of adults with ID living in generic care homes. Methods: Various sampling strategies were used to identify a difficult to find a population of people with ID in generic care homes. Demographic and health data were obtained for 132 people with ID. This included the Surprise Question. At T2, 12 months later, data were obtained on the survival of this sample. Findings: The average age was 68.6 years, and the majority were women (55.3%). Their health was typically rated as good or better. Responses to the Surprise Question indicated that 23.3% respondents might need EoLC. At T2, 18.0% of this population had died. The average of death was 72.2 years. The majority died within the care setting (62.9%). Implications: The implications for end-of-life care and mortality research are discussed. (Edited publisher abstract)
Commentary on: a comparison of dementia assessment service provision across three English county intellectual disability services
- Author:
- DODD Karen
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 26(3), 2021, pp.142-147.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to consider the issue of types of assessment offered by services for people with learning disabilities from the research study “A Comparison of Dementia Assessment Services for People with Intellectual Disabilities”. Design/methodology/approach: The commentary is based on a review of the associated literature. Findings: Assessment for possible dementia is a complex activity. The gold standard is to ensure that the assessment process is comprehensive including both direct assessments with the person and gathering information from key informants. The issues in not adopting this methodology are considered, as are issues in what services and assessments are called. Originality/value: The commentary considers the studies presented from a practitioner perspective. (Edited publisher abstract)
Commentary on “The experiences of Covid-19 ‘lockdown’ for people with a learning disability: results from surveys in Jersey and Guernsey”
- Author:
- ROGERS Gemma
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 26(3), 2021, pp.130-133.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This paper aims to consider the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown restrictions. Design/methodology/approach: This commentary reflects on the issues raised by Morris et al., and in the wider literature. Findings: Although there have been some benefits to lockdown for people with intellectual disabilities, mainly they have experienced isolation, increased mental health and well-being challenges, difficulty in accessing services, support and adequate adapted information. Originality/value: This commentary argues that it is important to continue to capture the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities now and over time to assess the long-term consequences of the pandemic and to design services which are respondent to their needs. (Edited publisher abstract)
Risk of forced marriage amongst people with learning disabilities in the UK: perspectives of South Asian carers
- Authors:
- McCARTHY Michelle, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 34(1), 2021, pp.200-210.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: People with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk of forced marriage compared to those without intellectual disabilities. In the UK, this risk is particularly, though not exclusively, associated with South Asian communities and is linked to the desire to secure long‐term care. Method: Focus groups and semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with South Asian parents and family carers (n = 22) of adults with intellectual disability and the resultant data thematically analysed. Results: Although securing care for their intellectually disabled relative was identified as a key motivator for forced marriage, other important themes also emerged. These included cultural and religious beliefs about disability and marriage, and limited understanding of relevant laws. Factors militating against forced marriage were also identified, including fears of abuse and neglect. Conclusions: Implications for the provision of services and the need for improved access to information on forced marriage of people with intellectual disabilities are highlighted. (Edited publisher abstract)