Search results for ‘Subject term:"physical disabilities"’ Sort:
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Increases in wheelchair use and perceptions of disablement
- Authors:
- SAPEY Bob, STEWART John, DONALDSON Glenis
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 20(5), August 2005, pp.489-505.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Between 1986 and 1995, there appeared to be a 100% increase in the number of wheelchair users in England and Wales. This article reports some of the findings of a study designed to explore the social implications of this increase. Specifically, it examines the various explanations for the increases and concludes that whilst demographic changes or research methodologies are not responsible, the more likely causes are changing prescription practice, medical advances and changing attitudes to disablement. The article then explores the latter explanation by examining perceptions of wheelchair use, contrasting clinical and user views gained from in-depth interviews. It also reports findings from part of a large-scale postal survey of wheelchair users, which examined their attitudes toward different models of disability. It concludes that the responses of a large majority of wheelchair users of all ages are better explained by the social model of disability than any other.
An end to a means
- Author:
- SALE Anabel Unity
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 8.12.05, 2005, pp.32-33.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
There are plans to end the means testing of the disabled facilities grant. However, the author discusses how families will still face problems making the home adaptations they need with the grant limit currently at £25,000.
When care is withdrawn
- Author:
- -
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 29.09.05, 2005, pp.40-41.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
A panel of experts comment onthe case of a severely disabled man who after losing his wife rejects a new care regime offered by social services.
Wheeling uphill?: reflections of practical and methodological difficulties encountered in researching the experiences of disabled volunteers
- Author:
- ANDREWS Jane
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 20(2), March 2005, pp.201-212.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This paper focuses on methodological and practical issues surrounding research into disabled volunteers. It focuses on three key methodological and practical issues which were encountered by the author in preparing for and conducting fieldwork: difficulties in conceptualising disability for the purpose of the study; problems of access; and problems of reflexivity. Attention is also given to how the researcher responded to the problems and difficulties as they emerged throughout the research. The paper concludes by commenting that the overall commitment, social entrepreneurship and social advocacy of wheelchair users who volunteer is in stark contrast to the negative images of vulnerability and dependency often associated with disability.
Evaluating the impact of mobility-related assistive technology on the lives of disabled people: a review of outcome measures
- Authors:
- HARRIS Anne, PINNINGTON Lorraine L., WARD Christopher D.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(12), December 2005, pp.553-558.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This research review aimed to assess the adequacy available outcome measures to evaluate the impact of mobility assistive technology on participation. The aim was to assess how these tools measured activity and participation in relation to mobility. Each measure considered some useful aspect of participation, but none took sufficient account of the needs of those with mobility impairments or could evaluate adequately the impact of different technologies. To support client-centred and evidence-based practice, an outcome measure that evaluates the impact of mobility assistive technology on activity and participation is required.
Time to adapt funding for facilities
- Author:
- GOVEAS Asha
- Journal article citation:
- Children Now, 30.03.05, 2005, p.12.
- Publisher:
- Haymarket
Families with disabled children have long argued that means testing the disabled facilities grant is unfair. Report on how its abolition in Northern Ireland and MP's support has given fresh hope that England and Wales will follow.
Assistive technology assessment and planning for children with multiple disabilities in educational settings
- Authors:
- COPLEY Jodie, ZIVIANI Jenny
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(12), December 2005, pp.559-566.
- Publisher:
- Sage
A number of critical elements have been identified in assistive technology assessment and planning to optimise its integration into the educational environments of children and hence address their functional goals. These elements are as follows: adopting a collaborative think-tank team approach to which all educational team members contribute equally and where technology experts are consulted once the need for specific technical support or training is identified; involving the family by establishing mutual expectations and using effective communication strategies; and conducting in-depth assessment that identifies clear goals, includes task analysis within daily environments, examines the child-device interaction closely and investigates the resources available to implement assistive technology use. With this backdrop, this paper reviews existing assessments and proposes that the Lifespace Access Profile (LAP) (Williams et al 1993) and Lifespace Access Profile (Upper Extension) (LAPUE) (Williams et al 1994) satisfy many of the criteria for effective assessment and planning advocated in the literature.
Working together for change
- Author:
- McKEEVER Brendan
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(9), September 2005, pp.418-420.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Engaging those who provide services with those who actually receive services has often been problematic. This opinion piece is based on a housing campaign - the Homes Fit For Children Campaign - and shows how an issue can be raised to a political level. It is an illustration of good practice, demonstrating how occupational therapists, working together with parents were able to have a pivotal role in change resulting in the abolition of the means test for the Disabled Facilities Grant in Northern Ireland.
The Sandwell Telecare Project
- Authors:
- WADDINGTON Paul, DOWNS Barry
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Integrated Care, 13(3), June 2005, pp.40-48.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article begins with a case study of the Sandwell Telecare Project, an innovative venture to pioneer the introduction of electronic aids to enable vulnerable people to live independently. The article concludes with an account of the evaluation, which was undertaken by an independent consultant.
When elevators were for pianos: an oral history account of the civilian experience of using wheelchairs in Canadian society. the first twenty-five years: 1945-1970
- Authors:
- TREMBLAY Mary, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 20(2), March 2005, pp.103-116.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
In 1945 Canadian World War II veterans with spinal cord injury were among the first Canadians to have access to medical rehabilitation programmes, the Everest and Jennings folding, self-propelled wheelchair and automobiles with hand-controls. One of the authors has described how the veteran pioneers used these new opportunities to return to full participation in civilian life. Drawing on oral history and archival research, this paper examines the experiences of Canadian civilians with spinal cord injury as they tried to follow the veterans' example. It discusses the strategies these pioneers used to overcome obstacles, such as stairs and curbs, as well as providing examples of their experiences in finding housing, education and employment. The paper reviews the responses individuals received from their fellow citizens and highlights the limited recognition of architectural barriers in an era when elevators were for pianos!