Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 4 of 4
Accessible websites – what is out there?
- Authors:
- WAIGHT Mary, OLDREIVE Warren
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 44(2), 2016, p.122–129.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study aims to outline a time-related study to identify UK websites providing information for people with learning disabilities and to evaluate the websites to determine strengths and weaknesses. Following a brief review of literature, a series of criteria were drawn up to evaluate websites for people with learning disabilities. Eighty-three identified sites were organised and allocated to categories based on function. Of these, 19 websites were deemed to have been created for people with learning disabilities to access. These were reviewed using the following criteria: how site was accessed; how navigation occurred within the site; whether literacy was required; how different compensatory strategies were incorporated including images, video and audio. The assessment criteria revealed a marked inconsistency within the websites in the areas examined. Differences in website design are discussed and suggestions of possible ways forward made to facilitate access for people with learning disabilities. (Publisher abstract)
"Advocacy is for the people": research into the impact of independent advocacy on the lives of older people
- Author:
- BOCIOAGA Andreea
- Publisher:
- Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- ii, 35
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
This report aims to investigate the impact of independent advocacy on the lives of older advocacy partners. The study is based on qualitative data and it explores people’s perspectives of advocacy. 13 interviews were conducted at 7 different advocacy organisations across Scotland. The findings, which draw on interviews with the advocacy partners and previous literature, suggest that: advocacy can help older people maintain their independence – the support participants had accessed helped them to regain control over their own lives and situations, either by finding new accommodation, making complaints or dealing with the services around them; advocacy can help older people access relevant information and address any power imbalance - participants credited advocacy with helping them access the information they needed in order to make informed choices, challenge the status quo and achieve their goals; advocacy helps safeguard the rights of older people; for those older people suffering from a (perceived or actual) physical or cognitive impairment advocacy can offer vital support when dealing with official matters - some of the participants reported on how their advocate helped them make sense of official documents and ensured that their views were heard when raising an issue with statutory or non-statutory agencies or when making a complaint; advocacy makes the advocacy partners feel valued and listened to, improved their confidence and contributed to reduced stress when dealing with difficult issues. (Edited publisher abstract)
No voice unheard, no right ignored: a consultation for people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health conditions
- Author:
- GREAT BRITAIN. Department of Health
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Department of Health
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 80
- Place of publication:
- London
This consultation seeks to explore views on a range of proposals, whose scope primarily covers: the assessment and treatment in mental health hospitals for people with learning disability or autism; adult care and support, primarily for those with learning disability but also for adults with autism (and the links to support for children and young people); and all those to whom the Mental Health Act currently applies (including children and young people). The proposals are intended to establish and strengthen key rights and choice options, including: the right for people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health conditions to be independent, to be part of a community and to live in a home of their choice; the right to be listened to, to have their wishes acted upon and the right to challenge decisions about them; their rights under the Mental Health Act; the right to control their support and services with a personal budget and the right to benefit from integrated health and social care; and access to better information about who is responsible for supporting their physical as well as their mental health. The consultation closes on 29 May 2015. (Edited publisher abstract)
An exploratory study of the support needs in 24/7 online support for people with mild intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- ZAAGSMA Miriam, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 16(1), 2019, pp.78-87.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Service organizations for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) increasingly look for technological applications to improve their services. DigiContact is an online support service developed by Philadelphia Care Foundation in the Netherlands which enables independently living people with ID to contact specially trained support workers 24/7. The purpose of this study was to explore the support needs for which people with ID use online support. We first conducted interviews with 21 individuals with ID who use the online support service. Transcriptions of the interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Second, online support workers registered items regarding the support needs when in contact with support users. These data were analyzed to assess which and how often the support needs were present. Online support is used for a broad variety of issues. Four themes emerged during analysis of the interviews: mental health, social contacts (conflicts with others as well as lack of contacts), practical issues, and physical health. Analysis of the support workers' data showed that making a connection with someone and talking about worries and stress are the two most frequent support needs. Most support needs did not differ across the time of day or across the week. The results suggest that 24/7 online support is a useful way of providing services to independently living people with ID. Unlimited access to support has multiple advantages. It appears to have a signaling and a preventive function with regard to emotional and behavioral problems. (Edited publisher abstract)