Search results for ‘Subject term:"physical disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 3 of 3
Assistive tools for disability arts: collaborative experiences in working with disabled artists and stakeholders
- Author:
- CREED Chris
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Assistive Technologies, 10(2), 2016, pp.121-129.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the experiences in working collaboratively with physically impaired visual artists and other stakeholders (e.g. disability arts organisations, charities, personal assistants, special needs colleges, assistive technologists, etc.) to explore the potential of digital assistive tools to support and transform practice. Design/methodology/approach: The authors strategically identified key organisations as project partners including Disability Arts Shropshire, Arts Council England, the British Council, SCOPE, and National Star College (a large special needs college). This multi-disciplinary team worked together to develop relationships with disabled artists and to collaboratively influence the research focus around investigating the current practice of physically impaired artists and the impact of digital technologies on artistic work. Findings: The collaborations with disabled artists and stakeholders throughout the research process have enriched the project, broadened and deepened research impact, and enabled a firsthand understanding of the issues around using assistive technology for artistic work. Artists and stakeholders have become pro-active collaborators and advocates for the project as opposed to being used only for evaluation purposes. A flexible research approach was crucial in helping to facilitate research studies and enhance impact of the work. Originality/value: This paper is the first to discuss experiences in working with physically impaired visual artists – including the benefits of a collaborative approach and the considerations that must be made when conducting research in this area. The observations are also relevant to researchers working with disabled participants in other fields. (Publisher abstract)
Closing the disability and employment gap: a case study report
- Author:
- VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS DISABILITY GROUP
- Publisher:
- Voluntary Organisations Disability Group
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 20
- Place of publication:
- London
In response to the recent green paper on work, health and disability, this report outlines some practical solutions to closing the disability employment gap. It highlights why it is important that action is taken now and the looks at the challenges that could undermine these aims. These include austerity measures and changes to specialist employment policy. The report then presents three brief examples of successful employment and training schemes delivered by specialist disability organisations. They cover the areas of: supported employment schemes and social enterprise; disability organisations leading by example and employing disabled people; and supported internships and specialist further education. The report includes recommendations for government, employers and care providers to boost employment for working-age disabled people. (Edited publisher abstract)
Wearable devices to support rehabilitation and social care
- Authors:
- DOUGHTY Kevin, APPLEBY Alistair
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Assistive Technologies, 10(1), 2016, pp.51-63.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This paper provides a review of the use of wearable technologies that focuses on applications that tackle sensory and communication deficits, physical disabilities and alarm and activity monitoring. It is intended to promote the introduction of more wearable approaches to providing assistive technologies because of their benefits in utilisation and aesthetic appeal. Design/methodology/approach: The approach involves a comparison of different types of portable device in order to identify different groups that may be beneficial to different application areas. Recent advances are then considered for each area. Findings: The work demonstrates that the use of wearable AT device is increasing due to improvements in materials, battery power and connected intelligence such as smartphones. They will allow new devices to be introduced that are smaller, lighter and more usable. Originality/value: The paper's value lies in encouraging manufacturers and designers to use wearable approaches to solving some of the problems facing vulnerable people. (Edited publisher abstract)