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Impact of positive images of a person with intellectual disability on attitudes: randomised controlled trial
- Authors:
- VARUGHESE Sabu John, MENDES Vania, LUTY Jason
- Journal article citation:
- Psychiatrist (The), 35(11), November 2011, pp.404-408.
- Publisher:
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
Tackling discrimination, stigma and inequalities in mental health is a major UK government objective but those with intellectual disabilities continue to suffer serious stigma and discrimination. There is a view that a disfigured or dysmorphic facial appearance may further stigmatise people. This study examined the effect of viewing pictures of a person with intellectual disability on stigmatised attitudes. The 20-point Attitude to Mental Illness Questionnaire (AMIQ) was used to assess attitudes. Members of the general public were randomised to complete the questionnaire having looked at a good (attractive) or a bad (unattractive) photograph of a person with intellectual disability. Questionnaires were received from 187 participants (response rate 74%). The mean age of respondent was 51 for the “bad” photo group and 54 years for the “good” photo group. There were slightly more women than men in both groups and just over half were in paid employment. The mean AMIQ stigma score for the bad photo group was 1.3 and for the good photo group it was 2.8. This difference was highly significant. It appears that looking at a good (attractive) picture of a person with intellectual disability significantly reduces reported stigmatised attitudes, whereas a bad (unattractive) picture has no effect.
Learning disability, autism and the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act
- Authors:
- WILLIAMS Fionnuala, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 14(5), 2020, pp.149-167.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This paper aims to investigate the use of Part VI of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (CPSA) for people with Learning Disability (LD) and/or Autism. This is in the context of a recent review commissioned by the Scottish Government into whether the provisions in the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (MHA) meet the needs of these groups which would also affect associated legislation such as CPSA.Design/methodology/approach: All CPSA orders active on the 3 January 2018 were identified and analysed for a number of variables including diagnoses, detention length, level of hospital security and medication use. Findings: Of the 580 people on CPSA orders, 69 (11.9%) had LD and 27 (4.7%) had possible/definite Autism. Most people with LD (56.5%) did not have a mental illness or personality disorder. Most (81.2%) had mild LD. There were two patients whose only diagnosis was Autism. Mean duration of detention was longer for those with LD than for those without. Most patients with LD alone were prescribed medication (61.5%) and, if in hospital, were managed in low secure units (59%). Originality/value: The results indicate that people with LD or Autism are differently affected by the application of the CPSA from other people with mental disorders, and that this is potentially discriminatory, if it is not objectively justified . It supports the stance from the recent review that to reduce the potential for discrimination, substantial changes to MHA and CPSA should be considered in the wider review of the MHA in Scotland. (Edited publisher abstract)
To let, but not to you
- Author:
- GREGORY Jason
- Journal article citation:
- Learning Disability Today, 10(9), November 2010, pp.16-17.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
Some 14% of the UK’s housing stock is in the private sector, so using private rented housing vastly increases the choice available to people with a learning disability. However, accessing private rented accommodation is not without its problems. People with a learning disability and their carers can face discrimination and prejudice as there is a lack of understanding of their specific needs. Turning Point places a great deal of emphasis on helping people with a learning disability to fulfil their wishes to live in the community. This article describes the difficulties that Turning Point faced when looking to rent a bungalow for four individuals in residential care who wanted more independence and choice over who they lived with. Their experiences demonstrate that discrimination in the private housing sector is happening. The article emphasises that the sort of discrimination they experienced trying to access privately rented accommodation is illegal.
Stigmatised attitudes towards intellectual disability: a randomised crossover trial
- Authors:
- VARUGHESE Sabu John, LUTY Jason
- Journal article citation:
- Psychiatrist (The), 34(8), August 2010, pp.318-322.
- Publisher:
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
A major UK government objective is to tackle discrimination, stigma and inequalities in mental health – with stigma being a social construct that devalues people due to distinguishing characteristics or marks. Yet people with intellectual disabilities continue to suffer serious stigma and discrimination. The study aimed to determine the effect of viewing a picture of a person with intellectual disability on stigmatised attitudes. The 20-point Attitude to Mental Illness Questionnaire (AMIQ) was used and a representative panel of members of the general public were randomised to complete the questionnaire either with or without looking at a picture of a man with Down syndrome. Six months later the same experiment was performed with the groups crossed over. Results were received for 360 participants. It was theorised that looking at the picture would produce a more negatively stigmatised attitude than simply asking participants to complete the test without viewing pictures. However, findings showed that after examination of the picture attitudes were actually reduced by a small by significant extent, possibly by personalising the description and producing a more sympathetic response. The actual sequence of the test had no significant effect on the outcome. In conclusion, the author suggests that looking at a picture of a young man with Down syndrome significantly reduces reported stigmatised attitudes.
Know your rights: the Disability Discrimination Act and how it affects you
- Author:
- MENCAP
- Publisher:
- Mencap
- Publication year:
- 2004
- Pagination:
- 7p.
- Place of publication:
- London
The Disability Discrimination Act (or DDA) was passed in 1995. It aims to give equal rights to disabled people and stop discrimination, when disabled people are treated unfairly because they have a disability. The DDA has been made into law in stages. Disabled people will have more rights when the last part of the Act becomes law on 1 October 2004.
What works and looking ahead: UK policies and practices facilitating employment of disabled people
- Author:
- THORNTON Patricia
- Publisher:
- University of York. Social Policy Research Unit
- Publication year:
- 2003
- Pagination:
- 67p.
- Place of publication:
- York
There is unprecedented policy commitment to raise the employment level of disabled people, as part of a wider strategy to tackle poverty, social exclusion, discrimination and welfare dependency. Government is committed to evidence-based policy making, and this paper brings together detailed evidence from robust and high quality research on ‘what works’.
Safeguarding younger people: an easy read guide: how to understand abuse and where to report it
- Author:
- SPEAKUP SELF ADVOCACY
- Publisher:
- Speakup Self Advocacy
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 12p.
- Place of publication:
- Rotherham
This easy read guide, produced by Speakup Self Advocacy, covers emotional, physical, sexual and financial abuse, and neglect and discrimination. It describes who an abuser might be, ad where abuse might happen. It goes on to detail people and organisations that should be told about abuse and what will happen in such circumstances. Finally, it presents some important telephone numbers that a victim can call.
A short guide to the equality duties for social care service users: easy read version
- Author:
- EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
- Publisher:
- Equality and Human Rights Commission
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 15p.
- Place of publication:
- Manchester
This Easy Read guide explains what the equality duties are and what an equality scheme is, and what to do if a council breaks the law. It is designed to support people with learning disabilities when engaging with public authorities to challenge institutional discrimination. It describes what equality duties are, and how public authorities must work hard to make things fairer and more equal, before explaining that the equality duties say that public authorities must work hard to make sure everyone has the same chances. It then tells how councils must also follow the equality duties and make it easy for everyone to have a say about new care and support services. Finally, the guide examines what can be done if councils break the law regarding equality duties.
Extra time
- Author:
- BURROW Ben
- Journal article citation:
- Learning Disability Today, November 2009, pp.26-28.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
Evidence is highlighted that suggests prisoners with learning disabilities are spending longer than they should in prison because adjustments are not being made for them. Problems include the failure of the prison service to identify and record disabilities within the service and the fact that many offending behaviour programmes are inaccessible to prisoners with learning disabilities. A case study of the experiences of one prisoner with severe learning disabilities is included.
Healthcare for all: the Independent Inquiry into Access to Healthcare for People with Learning Disabilities
- Authors:
- MICHAEL Jonathan, RICHARDSON Anne
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 13(4), December 2008, pp.28-34.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The Independent Inquiry into Access to Healthcare for People with Learning Disabilities reported in July 2008. The Inquiry found evidence of a significant level of avoidable suffering due to untreated ill-health, and the likelihood that avoidable deaths are occurring. This article summarises the key findings of the Michael Inquiry, and a summary of the recommendations given to the Secretary of State of Health in July 2008.