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The barriers to social inclusion as perceived by people with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- ABBOTT Suzanne, McCONKEY Roy
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 10(3), September 2006, pp.275-287.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
Very little research has been done on social inclusion from the perspective of people with intellectual disabilities, including perceived barriers and remedies. Focus groups were held with 68 persons, mostly tenants in supported living or shared group homes in Northern Ireland. Qualitative data were obtained using a mix of workshop activities and small group discussions. Four main barriers were identified: lack of necessary knowledge and skills; role of support staff and service mangers; location of house; and community factors such as lack of amenities and attitudes. Participants were able to identify a range of solutions for these barriers. Most of their proposals were in line with the aims of current government policy and good practice. These findings reinforce the contribution individuals could make to the planning of local services for themselves and others. This advocacy has been an essential element in reducing the social isolation of other marginalized groups.
Holiday breaks for adults with intellectual disabilities living with older carers
- Authors:
- McCONKEY Roy, McCULLOUGH Joanne
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work, 6(1), April 2006, pp.65-79.
- Publisher:
- Sage
The evaluation of a project instigated by a voluntary group provided an opportunity to investigate the benefits of holiday breaks to both carers and participants. Feedback was obtained from over 100 people with intellectual disabilities through individual and group interviews, as well as from their carers using self-completed questionnaires. Overall, the breaks were thoroughly enjoyed by the project members, providing them with a range of activities and leisure pursuits in the company of their friends and, on certain breaks, with non-disabled people as well. Carers reported more benefits to their relative in the later years of the project and became more willing for their relative to attend. Three main issues are discussed: the use of mainstream settings and services, rather than specialist facilities, to provide short breaks; how best to encourage other carers of people with more significant needs to avail themselves of these opportunities; and ways of improving the social and leisure networks of people living with families so that the benefits of the ‘holiday’ experience could be recreated more locally and more frequently.
Family carers of adult persons with intellectual disabilities on the island of Ireland
- Authors:
- BARRON Steve, McCONKEY Roy, MULVANY Fiona
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 3(2), June 2006, pp.87-94.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Many families provide lifelong support to their relative with an intellectual disability. However, relatively little information is available for national populations on the characteristics of the people for whom these families care and the supports they receive or need. A database of all persons in receipt of intellectual disability services has been operating in the Republic of Ireland since 1995 and records details of those living with family carers. In Northern Ireland, regional databases provide similar information. Using both sources, data were obtained on over 12,500 people living with family carers; half of whom lived with two parents, around 30% with a lone parent, and just under 20% with another relative. More people in Northern Ireland were identified as living with family carers, which was attributed mainly to less available residential alternatives. Only a minority of carers received respite breaks and domiciliary supports although higher proportions required them. The authors conclude that family care arrangements have received relatively little attention within government policy making, and hence service provision has been largely reactive. Future research should focus on the changing needs of carers over time and how they can be better supported in their role.