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Beyond friendship: the nature and meaning of close personal relationships as perceived by people with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- LAFFERTY Attracta, McCONKEY Roy, TAGGART Laurence
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 28(8), 2013, pp.1074-1088.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study uses a combination of dyadic and one-to-one interviews with eight couples with learning disabilities in Northern Ireland to gain a better understanding of the meaning and value these relationships bring to their lives. Data collection and analysis was informed and guided by the core principles of grounded theory. Five significant types of benefits were identified from having close personal relationships, namely: comradeship, a sense of contentment, availability of mutual support, coping with the ups and downs of relationships, and a continuing commitment. Service providers could do more to facilitate the formation of close meaningful relationships, and strategies for doing this need to be identified and evaluated. (Edited publisher abstract)
Characteristics of people providing family placements to adult persons with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- McCONKEY Roy, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 33(3), September 2005, pp.132-137.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study examines the characteristics of 30 placement providers in two schemes operating in Northern Ireland. Information was obtained through individual interviews on their characteristics, their reasons for becoming involved and what they get out of their involvement. All but one were female; two-thirds were aged 50 plus and just over one-third were in employment. The majority of providers have been recruited from the care sector and many had experience of people with intellectual disabilities. Most had come into the schemes because of their personal interest in this client group. No one came solely as a result of seeing an advertisement and only one person explicitly mentioned the financial reimbursement. Over half had been involved for 3 years and more. All felt they gained a great deal of satisfaction and enjoyment from their involvement but stressed the amount of commitment needed to become a provider. The placement providers overall were very satisfied with the way the schemes operated. The main complaint appeared to be in regard to the low payments. Proposals are made for the future development of family placement schemes particularly in the recruitment of providers.
Approaches to advocacy for and by adults with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- CAMPBELL Martin, McCONKEY Roy
- Publisher:
- University of St. Andrews
- Publication year:
- 2000
- Pagination:
- 163p., bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- St. Andrews
This training pack is intended for adults with learning disabilities, support staff and trainers. It aims to increase awareness, improve confidence and self esteem through a structured training course. Advocacy in its many forms aims to give people with a learning disability a stronger voice to make their wishes and needs known, and to protect vulnerable individuals he course can be facilitated and taught by people with learning disabilities with some support, or by support staff.
The barriers to social inclusion as perceived by people with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- ABBOTT Suzanne, McCONKEY Roy
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 10(3), September 2006, pp.275-287.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
Very little research has been done on social inclusion from the perspective of people with intellectual disabilities, including perceived barriers and remedies. Focus groups were held with 68 persons, mostly tenants in supported living or shared group homes in Northern Ireland. Qualitative data were obtained using a mix of workshop activities and small group discussions. Four main barriers were identified: lack of necessary knowledge and skills; role of support staff and service mangers; location of house; and community factors such as lack of amenities and attitudes. Participants were able to identify a range of solutions for these barriers. Most of their proposals were in line with the aims of current government policy and good practice. These findings reinforce the contribution individuals could make to the planning of local services for themselves and others. This advocacy has been an essential element in reducing the social isolation of other marginalized groups.