Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Support networks and transitions over two years among adults with a mental handicap
- Author:
- GRANT Gordon
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Handicap Research, 6(1), 1993, pp.36-55.
- Publisher:
- BIMH Publications
Begins by tracing the development of policy and research interest in the idea of social networks as something which provides important clues about the social behaviour of individuals. An argument is made for closer consideration of dimensions of support networks as a way of understanding the lives and lifestyles of adults with a mental handicap and of those who support them. Draws on data from a longitudinal study which examined the change and stability of informal support networks of adults persons with a mental handicap over an initial period of two years, and raises questions about policy, practice and future research.
Rapid evidence review: social network and mate crime
- Authors:
- O'BRIEN Esther, PIKE Lindsey
- Publisher:
- Research in Practice for Adults
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 4
- Place of publication:
- Darlington
This rapid evidence review looks at the importance of social networks to people with a learning disability, and explores the possible benefits and disadvantages of a larger social network for this group. The review highlights some examples of projects that have worked with people with learning disabilities to increase awareness of the risks, as well as facilitating new friendships. (Edited publisher abstract)
The role of ‘natural supports’ in promoting independent living for people with disabilities; a review of existing literature
- Authors:
- DUGGAN Carmel, LINEHAN Christine
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 41(3), 2013, pp.199-207.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This literature review identifies available evidence on the role of natural supports in promoting independent living for people with disabilities. A search of peer-reviewed literature identified 30 core papers and 16 contextual papers which addressed issues relating to natural supports and their role in facilitating independent living. The papers reveal that the evidence base is limited and focuses heavily on the social networks of people with intellectual disabilities, which typically comprise family, other people with disabilities using services and staff members. People with disabilities themselves call for greater support in establishing and maintaining social relationships in the community. Some initiatives such as peer-based support and befriending schemes are reviewed, mindful that few have been formally evaluated. The issue for policy makers is whether, following decades of deinstitutionalisation, efforts to physically locate people with disabilities within their local communities have come at the price of social inclusion. (Edited publisher abstract)
The psychological and social impact of self‐advocacy group membership on people with intellectual disabilities: a literature review
- Authors:
- FENN Kristina, SCIOR Katrina
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 32(6), 2019, pp.1349-1358.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: There is no one agreed definition of self‐advocacy, but it can be taken to include actions and concepts such as standing up for one's rights and self‐determination. Method: A review of studies examining the psychological and social impact of self‐advocacy group membership on people with intellectual disabilities was conducted. Systematic searches of electronic databases (PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science and ProQuest's Sociology Database), and manual searches of reference lists and citations, identified 12 studies. Results: “Empowerment” and “increased confidence” were frequently reported outcomes. “Belonging,” increased opportunities for social connections and changed self‐identity were also key themes. Conclusions: Limitations of the review included difficulty categorizing outcomes, and limitations of the evidence base included a lack of quantitative studies. Implications of the review include an observation that the role of self‐advocates in the research literature could be extended to the co‐construction of research agendas. (Publisher abstract)
Internet use for family carers of people with intellectual disabilities: a literature review and thematic synthesis
- Authors:
- CATON Sue, KOIVUNEN Emma-Reetta, ALLISON Callum
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 23(3), 2019, pp.446-468.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
Being a family carer can be rewarding but can also lead to mental and physical exhaustion as well as feelings of social exclusion and isolation. Research has shown that the use of the Internet and online forums can provide an immediate place to find information and reassurance and that forum use can be an empathetic place to share experiences and seek emotional support. This article details a systematic literature search of research on carers of people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism using the Internet. A thematic synthesis of the resulting papers identified that online forums give carers a sense of agency by providing a place to go for informational support that may not be elsewhere. Carers also enjoyed the safe community of solidarity and emotional support that online forums provide. An important finding is the lack of published papers in this area with the inclusion of just eight papers. (Edited publisher abstract)
Should social care staff be Facebook friends with the people they support?
- Authors:
- BATES Peter, SMITH Sam, NISBET Robert
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 17(2), 2015, pp.88-98.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Local policies often prohibit care staff from online contact with the people they support. The purpose of this paper is to review the reasons put forward for this ban and seek explanations. Design/methodology/approach: The paper examines relevant literature on the use of social networking by disabled and nondisabled people. This paper offers a critique of common policies and justifications and poses a challenge to those who impose such regulations. Findings: The paper finds no support for current policies. Research limitations/implications: The authors found only a limited amount of research in this area, and research findings were not commonly utilised by policy makers. Practical implications: Policy makers and regulators need to take a more rigorous and person-centred approach to rule making in respect of social media. Social implications: A widespread ban on the use of social media in communications between staff and the people they support is exposed as paternalistic and exacerbating infantilisation and exclusion rather than seeing disabled people as digital citizens. Regulators and those with responsibilities for safeguarding need to adopt a more empowering and person-centred approach. Originality/value: This paper will only make a difference if regulators and those with responsibilities for safeguarding adopt a more empowering and person-centred approach rather than the fear-based blanket prohibitions that have applied to date. (Publisher abstract)