Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Project SEARCH UK: evaluating its employment outcomes
- Author:
- KAEHNE Axel
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 29(6), 2016, pp.519-530.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: The study reports the findings of an evaluation of Project SEARCH UK. The programme develops internships for young people with intellectual disabilities who are about to leave school or college. The aim of the evaluation was to investigate at what rate Project SEARCH provided employment opportunities to participants. Methods: The evaluation obtained data from all sites operational in the UK at the time of evaluation (n = 17) and analysed employment outcomes. Results: Data were available for 315 young people (n = 315) in the programme and pay and other employment related data were available for a subsample. The results of the analysis suggest that Project SEARCH achieves on average employment rates of around 50 per cent. Conclusion: Project SEARCH UK represents a valuable addition to the supported employment provision in the UK. Its unique model should inform discussions around best practice in supported employment. Implications for other supported employment programmes are discussed. (Publisher abstract)
‘I don't feel trapped anymore…I feel like a bird’: people with learning disabilities' experience of psychological therapy
- Authors:
- LEWIS Nicola, LEWIS Karin, DAVIES Bronwen
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 29(5), 2016, pp.445-454.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: This current research was developed in response to a clinical psychology service recognising the need to evaluate their psychological service for and, as part of this evaluation, the importance of consulting with service users about their experience of psychological therapies. Methods: Six service users with a learning disability were interviewed about their experience of individual psychological therapy. The interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Themes were generated from the interviews which highlighted both positive and negative feedback on the psychological therapy process. The feedback covered areas such as access to therapy, feelings about therapy, preparing for therapy, skill development and collaborative working, accessibility and making therapy fun, challenges to confidentiality, positive feelings towards the therapist, aspects of the therapeutic relationship, therapy being challenging but helpful, and positive outcomes. Conclusions: These results have contributed to the evidence base that people with a learning disability are able to meaningfully engage in research and provide essential feedback on the services that they receive. (Edited publisher abstract)
The utility of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment as a mental capacity assessment tool for patients with a learning disability
- Authors:
- EDGE Daniel, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 44(3), 2016, p.240–246.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Objective: To determine the psychometric properties of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in patients with a learning disability and examine it's utility for conducting mental capacity assessment. Method: This study was a cross-sectional, instrument validation study in an inpatient hospital setting, located in the East of England. The sample consisted of two groups: (i) 31 consecutively admitted hospital patients and (ii) 10 multidisciplinary team members who served as a comparison group. The MoCA, a 12-item screen for mild cognitive impairment and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX), were used in this study. Item analysis was conducted by comparing item endorsement for all participants that had a learning disability utilising Difficulty and Discrimination Indices for each item on the MoCA. The authors examined the internal consistency of a revised scale derived from item analysis and used a one-way ANOVA to determine concurrent validity by comparing scores between two patient subgroups and the comparison group. Results: A 7-item scale, ‘MoCA-LD’ (alpha coefficient = 0.82) emerged from item analysis. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between MoCA-LD and DEX (Pearson correlation = −0.66, P < 0.01). As expected, participants in the borderline category scored higher on MoCA-LD than those with mild learning disability, as did those with no learning disability (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The MoCA-LD has the potential to be a useful tool for mental capacity assessment in patients with a learning disability. (Edited publisher abstract)
The close relationships of people with intellectual disabilities: a qualitative study
- Authors:
- SULLIVAN Faye, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 29(2), 2016, p.172–184.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Positive interpersonal relationships have been found to enhance an individual's quality of life. However, people with intellectual disabilities (PWID) often have restricted social networks, and little is known about their views on close social relationships. The study aimed to explore how this group perceives and experiences close relationships. Materials and Methods: Ten (6 = men 4 = women) PWID participated. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Results: The results report on three of five themes drawn from a larger qualitative study: ‘Relationships feeling safe and being useful’; ‘Who's in charge?’ and ‘Struggling for an ordinary life’. Conclusions: Close relationships are valued and desired by PWID, but a variety of barriers inhibit their development and maintenance. This includes the failure of others to value, accept and appropriately support the independence and relationships of PWID. Potential ways of addressing these issues are discussed. (Publisher abstract)
Adapting and evaluating a tree of life group for women with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- RANDLE-PHILLPS Cathy, FARQUHAR Sarah, THOMAS Sally
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 44 (4), 2016, pp.301-308.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: This study describes how a specific narrative therapy approach called ‘the tree of life’ was adapted to run a group for women with learning disabilities. The group consisted of four participants and ran for five consecutive weeks. Materials and Methods: Participants each constructed a tree to represent their lives and presented their tree to the group who responded with positive feedback and affirming statements. This led to discussion about overcoming the storms of life and a celebration of the journey the group had been through together. Key Results: Although no change was found on quantitative measures of well-being and self-esteem, participants reported benefitting from the peer support and social connectedness that the group offered, particularly in relation to themes of loss and change in their lives. Conclusions: ‘The tree of life’ approach has potential value as an intervention for people with learning disabilities. The benefits and challenges of this approach within the context of working with people with learning disabilities are discussed. (Publisher abstract)
‘Planning live’: using a person-centred intervention to reduce admissions to and length of stay in learning disability inpatient facilities
- Authors:
- BARTLE Janet, CROSSLAND Tom, HEWITT Olivia
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 44 (4), 2016, pp.277-283.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Recent government policy has focused on reducing the number of people with a learning disability receiving treatment for challenging behaviour or mental health difficulties in hospitals (including in assessment and treatment units; ATU). People with a learning disability should be supported to remain in their community when receiving support for challenging behaviour or mental health difficulties whenever possible. Methods: This study considered a novel intervention based on person-centred planning practice, which aimed to coordinate a person's support, identify outstanding needs and increase communication. This intervention intended to reduce rates of inpatient admission, and support the person to remain in their community, whilst ensuring their needs are met. This intervention was assessed by considering the number of people admitted to the inpatient services before and after the intervention, the length of inpatient admissions before and after the intervention, and by analysing qualitative feedback from participants in the intervention. Results: ‘Planning Live’ meetings were held for 102 people. Forty-five meetings were held retrospectively following an emergency admission. Following the ‘Planning Live’ meeting, five people had a planned admission and 52 people did not have an inpatient admission. The median length of inpatient stay fell from 143.5 days before the introduction of ‘Planning Live’ to 66 days (a statistically significant reduction). Qualitative feedback shows that the process was largely seen as helpful by professionals, families and individuals taking part in the meetings. Conclusions: The results suggest this person-centred intervention contributed towards a reduction in the amount of time individuals stayed in hospital. However, the total number of hospital admissions rose following the intervention. (Publisher abstract)
A qualitative investigation into the experiences of having a parent with a learning disability
- Authors:
- HEWITT Olivia, CLARKE Angela T.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 44 (4), 2016, pp.292-300.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: More people with a learning disability are becoming parents. Little is known about the lived experiences of the children who have a parent with a learning disability. Methods: This study uses interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to understand the lived experiences of people who have a parent with a learning disability. Five people who have a parent with a learning disability were asked about their experiences of being parented and their childhood more generally. Results: Four themes emerged from the interviews: 1) ‘Fitting in’ within the wider family system, 2) The parental relationship and the impact of disability, 3) A difficult childhood and 4) Resilience. Conclusions: These findings are compared with the existing literature, and similarities and emerging findings are noted. Implications for services when supporting families with a parent who has a learning disability are discussed. Additional ideas about areas that require additional research are identified. (Publisher abstract)
The conundrum of training and capacity building for people with learning disabilities doing research
- Authors:
- NIND Melanie, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 29(6), 2016, pp.542-551.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: This study explores the training involved when people with learning disabilities take their place in the community as researchers. This was a theme in a recent UK seminar series where a network of researchers explored pushing the boundaries of participatory research. Method: Academics, researchers with learning disabilities, supporters and other inclusive researchers considered important themes arising from presentations about developments in participatory research. The paper emerges from critical reflection on these rich discussions. Results: A seminar series is a form of research training and capacity building, albeit a dynamic, interactive and collegial one. More formal training in research skills for people with learning disabilities is being developed but raises questions regarding the best contribution people with learning disabilities can make to the research process. Conclusion: There are various models of training for inclusive research, but these need to be reciprocal if they are not to undermine the inclusive goal. (Publisher abstract)
Health charter in practice
- Authors:
- VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS DISABILITY GROUP, NATIONAL CARE FORUM
- Publisher:
- Voluntary Organisations Disability Group
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 17
- Place of publication:
- London
- Edition:
- 2nd ed.
Explains how the Health Charter can be used by social care providers to support the wellbeing of people with learning disabilities and reduce inequalities in healthcare. The Charter consists of a set of statements committing social care providers to help improve the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities, thus improving people's quality of life generally. This guide sets out key outcomes and advice from organisations already using the practical support which can be used to: establish a clear commitment to addressing health inequalities; deliver an important message to commissioners that health and wellbeing is a priority; support regulatory compliance; drive improvements in services, set strategic goals and organisational responsibilities; and support the duty - included in the Care Act - to promote wellbeing. (Edited publisher abstract)
Life beings at home: a guide to housing for families and children with autism/ learning disabilities who display challenging behaviour
- Author:
- HOUSING AND SUPPORT ALLIANCE
- Publisher:
- Housing and Support Alliance
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 32
- Place of publication:
- Liverpool
Aimed at families of children with autism/learning disabilities who display challenging behaviour, this guide offers practical advice on the choices they have to get housing or adapt current housing to meet their needs. Specifically, the guide examines: what families say they need from housing; how families can manage their situation with better housing; how they can get the housing they need; paying for housing and adaptations; what the law says about housing for families of disabled children; and how to get more help. This guide is accompanied by a training and development pack and films that help health, housing and social care professionals reflect on and understand their role in helping families get the housing they need. (Edited publisher abstract)