Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Lines in the sand: final report
- Authors:
- SIMONS Ken, RUSSELL Oliver
- Publisher:
- Norah Fry Research Centre
- Publication year:
- 2003
- Pagination:
- 129p.
- Place of publication:
- Bristol
A research project on the interface between mental health and learning disability services. The main objective of this research project, which was funded by the South West Regional NHS Research and Development Directorate, was to carry out an audit of ‘pressure points’ within services for people with learning disabilities and mental health needs in South West England. A retrospective two-year census of case files (n=348) was carried out, supplemented by in-depth interviews with key clinical staff (n=30), and semi-structured interviews with commissioners from Valuing People Partnership Boards (n =10) and Local Implementation Teams for the National Service Framework for Mental Health (n=9). The main outcome measures were descriptions of patterns of service use, along with the presence (or otherwise) of disputes and/or joint working, set in the context of the views of providers and commissioners.
Finding out things
- Author:
- THOMPSON John
- Publisher:
- Venture Press
- Publication year:
- 2003
- Pagination:
- 34p.
- Place of publication:
- Birmingham
Examines the issues in disability research with users and their carers. Research methods, user involvement and outcomes are considered.
The impact of personal characteristics of people with intellectual and developmental disability on self-determination and autonomous functioning
- Authors:
- WEHMEYER Michael L., GARNER Nancy W.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 16(4), December 2003, pp.255-265.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Many people assume that the presence of an intellectual disability precludes a person from becoming self-determined. Recent research, however, has suggested that the environments in which people live, learn, work or play may play a more important role in promoting self-determination then do personal characteristics of the person, including level of intelligence. This study examined the self-determination and autonomous functioning of 301 adults with intellectual disability or a developmental disability without concomitant intellectual impairments (e.g. persons with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and spina bifida) as a function of personal characteristics of individuals. Intellectual capacity was not a significant contributor to either self-determination or autonomous functioning for this group. Opportunities to make choices, however, contributed significantly and positively to greater self-determination and autonomy. Intelligence scores did, however, predict whether the person worked or lived in more or less restrictive settings, though for the latter, both self-determination and autonomous functioning also contributed significantly. These findings are discussed with regard to the role of personal characteristics, particularly intelligence level, in promoting self-determination and more positive adult outcomes.
Assessing state vocational rehabilitation performance in serving individuals with disability
- Authors:
- LEWIS Darrell, JOHNSON David R.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 28(1), March 2003, pp.24-39.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
All social agencies that deliver services to individuals with disability need to periodically examine whether their goals and services are addressing the needs of their clients and consumers. This paper reviews the use of multi-attribute utility (MAU) analysis as a methodology for evaluating the goals and services of a midwestern state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency in the USA. The MAU methodology is used in this state agency example to: identify and clarify the VR agency's goals and services; engage stakeholders in the determination of measurable attributes of these goals; and illustrate the value of using MAU evaluation results for programme improvement and future evaluation comparisons. The article is intended to support agency administrative staff in designing comprehensive evaluations of programme goals and services, and in strategic planning and programme improvement efforts.
Deconstructing normalisation: clearing the way for inclusion
- Authors:
- CULHAM Andrew, NIND Melanie
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 28(1), March 2003, pp.65-78.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This paper considers two major movements affecting the lives of people with an intellectual disability: normalisation and inclusion. The authors look back at the normalisation movement, reviewing its aims, processes and outcomes, and explore its relationship and compatibility with inclusion. In looking forward to the realisation of the inclusion agenda they ask whether normalisation is a suitable platform on which to build inclusion, or whether a process of deconstruction is needed. They discuss what lessons can be learnt from normalisation for the inclusion movement.
Counselling adults with learning disabilities
- Author:
- HODGES Sally
- Publisher:
- Palgrave Macmillan
- Publication year:
- 2003
- Pagination:
- 194p.,bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Basingstoke
Taking a psychodynamic approach, this book describes current theoretical ideas in this area. Theories are described with detailed examples given to demonstrate the translation from theory into practice. Common problems are considered within a 'life span' framework, with attention to specific difficulties such as bereavement, abuse and challenging behaviour. The wider context including relationships with families, groups and staff have also been given consideration. Outcome evidence for counselling is explored.
Passive activities: the effectiveness of multisensory environments on the level of activity of individuals with profound multiple disabilities
- Authors:
- VLASKAMP Carla, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 16(2), June 2003, pp.135-143.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The use of multisensory environments (MSEs) is perceived to be important for individuals with profound and multiple disabilities, although there is limited research on the efficacy of the procedures. After a search of the literature, numerous positive outcomes of MSEs were described. Our research aimed to determine whether the use of an MSE, when applied to increase the level of alertness and interaction, actually leads to this effect. A total of 15 facilities in the Netherlands and Belgium agreed to participate in the investigation. Information was gathered on the use of MSE by 177 individuals. For 62 persons, an increase of level of activity was the only stated goal. We randomly selected 20 persons out of this group for observation, using momentary time sampling as a means to relate multisensory experiences to the level of alertness and interaction. The results of our study show that in general there is little evidence for an increase in activity levels as a result of MSE. There is, however, a relation between the level of activity and contextual variables. In particular, people with profound multiple disabilities have strong responses towards stimuli provided by members of staff (touching, talking to the person). In general, the living unit is as good a place as the MSE for promoting alertness and interactions. The influence of materials on the level of activity is limited.
Utility of the brief symptom inventory in the assessment of psychological distress
- Authors:
- KELLETT Stephen, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 16(2), June 2003, pp.127-134.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
People with intellectual disabilities are now acknowledged to be susceptible to the full range of mental health disorders. This acknowledgement has resulted in the need to develop and evaluate instruments for the assessment and detection of mental health problems. This research evaluates the use of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) with 200 people with mild intellectual disabilities representing community, clinical and forensic populations.
Development and psychometric properties of the Glasgow Depression Scale for people with a learning disability
- Authors:
- CUTHILL Fiona M., ESPIE Colin A., COOPER Sally-Anne
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 182(4), April 2003, pp.347-353.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
There is no reliable and valid self-report measure of depressive symptoms for people with learning disabilities. The aim of the article was to develop a scale for individuals with learning disability, and a supplementary scale for carers. Items were generated from a range of assessment scales and through focus groups. A draft scale was piloted and field tested using matched groups of people with or without depression, and their carers. The scale was also administered to a group without learning disabilities for criterion validation. The Glasgow Depression Scale for people with a Learning Disability (GDS-LD) differentiated depression and non-depression groups, correlated with the Beck Depression Inventory - II (r=0.88), had good test-retest reliability (r=0.97) and internal consistency (Cronbach's =0.90), and a cut-off score (13) yielded 96% sensitivity and 90% specificity. The Carer Supplement was also reliable (r=0.98; =0.88), correlating with the GDS-LD (r=0.93). Both scales appear useful for screening, monitoring progress and contributing to outcome appraisal.
Parents with learning disabilities: a study of gender and cultural perspectives in East London
- Authors:
- O'HARA Jean, MARTIN Hemmie
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 31(1), 2003, pp.18-24.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The rights of people with learning disabilities to marry and have a family is at the heart of the Government's new strategy (Valuing People), yet there are few integrated and co-ordinated services to meet their needs. All too often, learning disability is the sole reason why children are removed from their biological parents. Whilst there is a small but growing literature on the quality and extent of the social supports available, little attention has been paid to culture and gender. This study analyses data on parents who came into contact with the specialist community learning disability health team in East London over a 5-year period in respect of culture, gender and outcomes.