Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Self-directed support policy: challenges and possible solutions
- Authors:
- HARKES Mary Anne, BROWN Michael, HORSBURGH Dorothy
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 42(3), 2014, pp.169-176.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
An systematic literature review conducted between September 2010 and April 2011 found that few studies of self-directed support focused specifically on people with intellectual disabilities. The range of individuals' ability and distinction between adults with or without legal capacity have not been addressed. It is clear that self-directed support is not, as yet, a viable option for all individuals with an intellectual disability. However, some who have accessed it reported an improvement in their quality of life. For self-directed support to succeed for people with a wide range of intellectual disabilities, the level of awareness of its existence, and the potential barriers in relation to uptake, must be identified and addressed. This paper suggests possible strategies to maximise access to self-directed support and identifies areas in which further research is required. (Edited publisher abstract)
Identifying the key concerns of Irish persons with intellectual disability
- Authors:
- IRIARTE Edurne Garcia, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 27(6), 2014, pp.564-575.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Aims: This paper aims to define the key concerns of adults with an intellectual disability in relation to their participation in society using an inclusive research strategy for both data gathering and data analysis. Methods: A national study involving 23 focus groups and 168 persons was conducted in Ireland with people with intellectual disability as co-facilitators. Findings: A thematic content analysis was undertaken of the verbatim transcripts initially by university co-researchers, and 19 themes were identified. Co-researchers with intellectual disability joined in identifying the eight core themes. These were as follows: living options, employment, relationships, citizenship, leisure time, money management, self-advocacy, and communication. Discussion: The concerns are discussed within the framework of the United Nations Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and implications for transforming service policy are drawn. (Edited publisher abstract)
Quality of life: standards and toolkit
- Author:
- CHANGING OUR LIVES
- Publisher:
- Changing Our Lives
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 48
- Place of publication:
- Hagley
These Quality of Life standards aim to raise people’s expectations about what a good quality of life really means. The standards have been written by over 650 children, young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism. They are based on people with disabilities being seen and respected as equal citizens in society, capable of having a full and valued life. The standards, which apply to all people with disability, and use a rights based approach, spell out what expectations people with disability should have with regard to personal autonomy and control over their life, staying safe, personal care, enjoying a full life, housing, employment and financial autonomy. The document also contains a toolkit, which gives an overview of some of the ways the Quality of Life standards can be used to both check the quality of support and services and to challenge culture and develop new practice. (Original abstract)
Assessment and treatment of challenging behaviour for individuals with intellectual disability: a research review
- Authors:
- LLOYD Blair P., KENNEDY Craig H.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 27(3), 2014, pp.187-199.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Challenging behaviour is frequently associated with the presence of intellectual disability. If not effectively treated, chronic challenging behaviour can negatively impact a variety of quality of life outcomes for individuals with intellectual disability. Methods and Results: The authors review the current status of research relating to the assessment and treatment of challenging behaviour for people with intellectual disability. The history of interventions for challenging behaviour that led to the development of function-based approaches widely in use today are briefly reviewed. The authors then discuss the various operant functions of challenging behaviour, functional behaviour assessment technologies and reinforcement-based interventions. Conclusions: The authors conclude with a discussion of future directions that include models of prevention, ecological validity of assessment procedures and the widespread use of comprehensive behavioural support programmes. (Edited publisher abstract)
Evaluation toolkit for providers: an assessment tool and action plan for organisations to improve the quality of life for people with learning disabilities as they grow older
- Author:
- TOWERS Christine
- Publisher:
- Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 34
- Place of publication:
- London
This evaluation toolkit is to help provider organisations to improve the quality of support for people with learning disabilities as they grow older. It aims to enable providers to understand the values, knowledge and skills that need to be in place to support people as they grow older so that their lives are as happy, healthy and fulfilling as possible and draw up and deliver an action plan to improve the support provided to people as they grow older. It uses the 8 outcomes from the Association for Real Change 'Real Change Challenge on Older People'. It provides indicators for each of the eight outcome that providers can use to assess themselves against using a traffic light system (red, amber and green). The toolkit suggests resources to help achieve each outcome. There is also a template for developing an action plan to help organisations implement the necessary changes. (Edited publisher abstract)
Emotional and tangible reciprocity in middle- and older-aged carers of adults with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- PERKINS Elizabeth A., HALEY William E.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 10(4), 2014, pp.334-344.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study investigates whether older carers of adult children with intellectual disabilities perceive emotional and tangible reciprocity in their relationships and the association between perceived reciprocity with quality of life. The authors surveyed 91 parental carers (aged 50+ years, mean = 60.8). Bivariate correlations and hierarchical regression analyses assessed the relationship between tangible and emotional reciprocity and carer quality of life variables (physical and mental health, depressive symptomatology, life satisfaction) and carers' desire for an alternative residential situation of their son/daughter. Overall, more tangible and emotional support was given than received from their adult children. However, despite varying levels of intellectual disability and functional impairments of their care recipient, carers did report receiving considerable support. Relative disadvantage (i.e., giving more than received) in tangible reciprocity was associated with increased depressive symptomatology and poorer mental health but also reduced desire for seeking an alternative residential situation for the person for whom they are caring. These relationships were attenuated after covariance analyses. Emotional reciprocity was not associated with any of the outcome measures. The results suggest that perceptions of reciprocity are relevant in caregiving for intellectual disability and may be an underappreciated asset in coping with caregiving. (Edited publisher abstract)
Circles of support and personalisation: exploring the economic case
- Authors:
- PERKINS Margaret, et al
- Publisher:
- London School of Economics and Political Science. Personal Social Services Research Unit
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 17
- Place of publication:
- London
This small-scale study examines the economic case for Circles of Support as way of enabling people with disabilities to live a good life in the community and have greater choice and autonomy in meeting their needs. It also looks at the ways in which Circles have been used, they type of support they can provide, the outcomes achieved and costs incurred. The research was conducted as part of a wider study to assess the economic case for community capacity-building initiatives. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with Circle members: the person with disabilities (where possible), a primary informant (usually a parent) and another Circle member to find out how and why the Circle was set up and how it supported the person with disabilities to have as full and independent life as possible in the community. Circle facilitators were also interviewed to understand their role in providing the planning tools to enable the Circle to best support the person with disabilities. Quantitative data on recent health and social care service use were collected to develop ‘economic pen pictures’ of the five Circles. Informants considered the Circle had impacted positively on the individual’s quality of life. Circles supported care packages which appeared to provide successful alternatives to residential care. Commissioners may wish to explore further how Circles can be an additional approach to personalisation to support people with disabilities to live as independently as possible in the community. (Edited publisher abstract)
A plan for life: the long view of social care for adults with learning disabilities
- Author:
- FITZROY
- Publisher:
- FitzRoy
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 8
- Place of publication:
- Petersfield
This study – based on opinion research with 100 local authorities in England – shows that lifelong planning for adults with learning disabilities improves wellbeing and reduces long-term care costs. However, systemic pressures on local government have led to widespread short-term planning and an increase in long-term care costs at a time when the pressure to reduce spending has never been greater. The study highlights the absence of long-term considerations such as placement stability and quality of life beyond just care and that cost is the overriding consideration when local authorities are assessing social care services for adults with learning disabilities. Despite these significant barriers to change, local authorities are adamant that long-term planning is essential and are ready and willing to address these challenges. The report calls on the government to publish guidelines that will help local authorities to quickly understand their obligations to guarantee a better quality of life for adults with learning disabilities. (Edited publisher abstract)
A call for the integration of trauma-informed care among intellectual and developmental disability organizations
- Author:
- KEESLER John M.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 11(1), 2014, pp.34-42.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Research exploring the occurrence of trauma among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) has grown over the past decade. Yet there is a dearth of literature investigating the impact of organisational factors on the trauma experience despite this population's need for organisational supports. Trauma-informed care (TIC), a systems-focused model for service delivery, is a fast-developing interest among the broader field of trauma in the general population. It recognises the prevalence and impact of trauma, and creates a culture of safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. The author synthesised relevant literature from both the intellectual and developmental disabilities areas and integrated this with TIC and trauma literature drawn from the general population. Explored are the implications of organisations for service delivery and the potential assimilation of TIC within I/DD organisations. The effectiveness of TIC applications and their potential barriers are discussed and related to the philosophy of quality of life and organisational culture. The author notes that some individuals with I/DD comprise a vulnerable subgroup of the population that in large part relies upon the support of organisational services to foster quality of life. Given the implications of the focus on quality of life, he posits that TIC presents as a viable response for organisations, complimenting and augmenting current efforts. (Edited publisher abstract)
An inpatient Healthy Living Group
- Authors:
- ROSE Lexy, BREEN Olivia, WEBB Zillah
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 8(2), 2014, pp.128-137.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the usefulness of a Healthy Living Group (HLG) for individuals with learning disabilities and mental health problems in an inpatient setting. Design/methodology/approach: Seven sessions were developed. Each session focussed on a different aspect of healthy living, and used psychoeducation and practical skill building to enable individuals to create personalised healthy living plans. Quantitative post-intervention measures and a qualitative focus group were used to determine group participants’ learning and enjoyment. Findings: Principles about healthy living were successfully taught in an enjoyable way to individuals with learning disabilities. Factors that enhanced learning and those that created barriers to developing healthy living plans are explored. Practical implications: Individuals with learning disabilities and mental health problems can be supported to develop personalised healthy living plans. Recommendations for further adaptations to the group structure are made, in order to enable others to run successful groups. Originality/value: The HLG is the first of its kind to be developed for individuals with learning disabilities. (Edited publisher abstract)