Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 1 of 1
'It is time to stop talking and start doing': the views of people with learning disabilities on future research
- Authors:
- MARRIOTT Anna, WILLIAMS Val, TOWNSLEY Ruth
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, 7(2), Autumn 2010, pp.132-147.
- Publisher:
- South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust and University of Huddersfield
A scoping exercise to determine the research priorities for the field of learning disabilities for the next 10 years is described. Specific focus of this paper is on the role of people with learning disabilities in setting this research agenda. A detailed description of the methodology used is given. The first stage included a series of regional workshops involving people with learning disabilities, held in Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds and London which aimed to identify the main issues and problems in the lives of people with learning disabilities. Data from these identified six priority themes: access to health care; getting good support; the right to relationships; housing options; work and personal finance; and inclusion in the community. The literature was then reviewed for published research in these areas and then further workshops were held in all four geographical areas to identify research gaps. A focus group was then held with nine researchers in the field. A summary of the findings in the six priority areas is presented. It is commented that the findings show that it is possible to involve people with learning disabilities in setting a research agenda. Their inclusion provided a perspective that could not be adequately represented by other stakeholder groups. People with learning disabilities were concerned that research has a meaningful impact and can lead to demonstrable improvements in care. In order for this to happen there is a need for widespread dissemination of accessible outputs that reach the relevant stakeholders.