Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 10 of 229
Architects of reform
- Author:
- KAEHNE Axel
- Journal article citation:
- Learning Disability Today, 9(5), July 2009, pp.34-36.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
Highlights the key themes from a series of research papers delivered at a round table summit involving academics and practitioners from the US, UK, Netherlands, Germany and Australia looking at what really improves lives for people with learning disabilities.
Remarkable similarities in four list theories of a good life for people with intellectual disability
- Author:
- ELKS Martin A.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 24(3), 2020, pp.418-426.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
A good life is the ultimate goal of a number of theories and approaches to providing supports and services for people with intellectual disability. This article examines four list theories of a good life for people with intellectual disability. Twelve themes of a good life were identified using a basic or conventional content analysis: higher meaning and purpose, respect, rights, social inclusion and belonging, close relationships, contribution, voice and choice, emotional well-being, growth and development, home, materiality, and health. Remarkable similarities in items between these four list theories suggest a broad underlying consensus as to the basic elements a good life for people with intellectual disability. (Publisher abstract)
The relation between family quality of life and the family‐centered approach in families with children with an intellectual disability
- Authors:
- VANDERKERKEN Lien, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 16(4), 2019, pp.296-311.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Although family quality of life (FQOL) and the family‐centered approach (FCA) are often conceptually linked, empirical research on their relation is scarce. This study investigated the relation between the FCA and FQOL in families with a child (0–18 years) with an intellectual disability receiving home‐based support (HBS) in Flanders. The impact of the parental work situation and the child's support needs on FQOL (domains) were studied too. Through the Helpgiving Practices Scale (HPS) and the Enabling Practices Scale (EPS), parents of participating families (n = 58) reported about the FCA in their families' HBS. Using the Beach Center FQOL Scale, mainly mothers reported about their families' quality of life. The relation between the realization of the FCA, parental employment, and the child's support needs on the one hand, and FQOL on the other hand was studied via multiple regression analyses. Additionally, the best predicting model was determined for FQOL (domains). Globally, a positive relation between FQOL and the FCA was found. Dependent on the FQOL domain, a different relation was identified with the family‐centered components. Components of the EPS (i.e., comfort and parental autonomy) were better predictors than those of the HPS. The parental work situation was a significant predictor for satisfaction regarding total FQOL (with and without disability‐related support), family interactions, and parenting. The child's support needs were a significant predictor for emotional well‐being. As the first of its kind, this study investigated the relation between FQOL and the FCA in detail. More, in depth, and especially long‐term research is, however needed to fully understand the relation between FQOL and its contributors. (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)
‘Everybody just thinks I'm weird’: a qualitative exploration of the psychosocial experiences of adolescents with Tourette syndrome
- Authors:
- WADMAN R., TISCHLER Victoria, JACKSON G.M.
- Journal article citation:
- Child: Care, Health and Development, 39(6), 2013, pp.880-886.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Research suggests Tourette syndrome (TS) can have a negative impact on quality of life. To date, little research has examined the perspectives of young people with this condition in depth. Methods: Six 14- to 16-year-olds with TS took part in semi-structured interviews to explore the perceived impact of this condition on self and on relationships with others. The transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: The young people felt that TS was a constant presence in their lives, but one they have learnt to cope with well. Most had developed supportive friendships but encountered problems when interacting with the wider peer network. Specific concerns around meeting new people and future employment were voiced. Conclusions: The adolescents described specific ways in which TS affects quality of life and social interactions, and the effort it can take to cope effectively with this condition. (Publisher abstract)
Application of the Rasch rating scale model to the assessment of quality of life of persons with intellectual disability
- Authors:
- GOMEZ Laura E., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 37(2), June 2012, pp.141-150.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Individual quality of life is a concept referring to core domains influenced by personal characteristics and environmental factors, and has received increasing attention in the field of intellectual disability. This study aimed to test and improve the psychometric properties of the INTEGRAL quality of life scale (a questionnaire to measure quality of life for adults with intellectual disability), including the observed fit of data to the Rasch model. The research involved a sample of 271 adults from provinces across Spain who had intellectual disability and used social services, and questionnaires were completed by qualified interviewers. The article describes and discusses the methodology, data analysis and results.
Initial validation of the Chinese Quality of Life Questionnaire – Intellectual Disabilities (CQOL-ID): a cultural perspective
- Authors:
- WONG P. K. S., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 55(6), June 2011, pp.572-580.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
There is a lack of locally validated appropriate instruments to measure the quality of life of Chinese people with ID. This study reports an attempt to validate the Chinese Quality of Life Questionnaire – Intellectual Disabilities which was adapted from the Quality of Life Questionnaire developed by Schalock & Keith. A total of 359 participants with mild/moderate ID aged 15 years or more were recruited from special schools, skills centres, community service units and residential units in different regions of Hong Kong. Factor analysis was conducted according to the rotated component matrix method, in which 23 items were extracted from the original 40-item version of the Quality of Life Questionnaire and three domains (renamed satisfaction, competence and daily choice making/interpersonal relations) were observed. Construct validity tests indicated a positive relationship with earnings, and self-determination and social interaction increased with more independent living and less segregated work environments. The scale achieved a good degree of reliability. These findings suggest that the Chinese Quality of Life Questionnaire – Intellectual Disabilities instrument may be of value for measuring the quality of life of Chinese people with ID. Cultural issues are discussed and recommendations for future research and service development are made.
Microenterprise options for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: an outcome evaluation
- Authors:
- CONROY James W., FERRIS Charles S., IRVINE Ron
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 7(4), December 2010, pp.269-277.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Opportunities for community employment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are limited, and have not improved over the past 25 years. This report provides the findings from an outcome study evaluating individual owner-operated business enterprises (microenterprises) as a vocational option for people with disabilities. In 2004, Network180 began to explore microenterprises for individuals with intellectual and developmental disability in Kent County, Michigan. Twenty-seven people chose to engage in microenterprise and became the basis of this study. The study measured changes in the qualities and quantities of work life for the participants and the support workers, as well as the time spent engaged, and changes in income. The participants reported enhanced quality of work life in most of the 17 areas. Their overall ‘scale score’ significantly increased by 26 points on a 100-point scale. The support workers' data revealed significantly enhanced quality of work life in 5 of 14 areas, and their overall scale increase of 6 points approached statistical significance. The preliminary findings are regarded as encouraging. Microenterprise offers an alternative that promises to be satisfying, meaningful, enjoyable, and may cost significantly less to implement than traditional sheltered workshops and adult day activity centres.
Survey outcomes and cross-national comparisons of quality of life with respect to people with intellectual disabilities in Taiwan
- Authors:
- CHOU Yueh-Ching, SCHALOCK Robert
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 6(1), March 2009, pp.7-10.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study assessed how Taiwanese adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience their quality of life (QoL), including comparisons with their counterparts in other countries. The study involved administering the Cross-Cultural QoL Indicators Survey and the Quality of Life Questionnaire in 2004 and 2005 to a total of 481 adults with ID who either were living with their family or residing within a facility. Results indicated that the domain of "social inclusion" was the lowest for both adults using residential services or living with family. In addition, Taiwanese residents with ID have lower levels of overall QoL, particularly among those living in institutions; although they were easily satisfied with their lives, compared with their counterparts in other countries. The authors recommend that the improvement of QoL among persons with ID in Taiwan must not be ignored by the policy makers, practitioners, and their families, particularly with respect to enabling individuals with ID to be more included in society.
The impact on objective technology of life outcomes of assistive technology in residential services for people with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- PERRY Jonathan, BEYER Stephen
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Assistive Technologies, 3(1), March 2009, pp.5-14.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The UK government is committed to preventative technologies and increasingly they are being incorporated into residential services for people with learning disabilities. This paper describes an evaluation of a sample of settings in which various assistive technology (AT) devices have been installed following the assessment of individual residents' needs. The impact of this on residents' objective quality of life was assessed using a range of quantitative measures and through some qualitative questions. Despite some positive consequences of the AT being reported by staff in response to the qualitative items, there was no significant impact on any of the quantitative measures. In isolation, AT does not appear to be sufficient to significantly improve objective quality of life outcomes for people with learning disabilities in residential services. Equally, AT does not appear to reduce objective quality of life outcomes. The challenge to service providers is to ensure that the introduction of AT and any associated change to staffing levels or support procedures translates into improvements in residents' overall quality of life. To detect such improvements future research might have to broaden the range of quantitative methods used and supplement them with qualitative techniques.