scholarly journals The evaluation of a training course to enhance intellectual disability awareness amongst law enforcement officers: a pilot study

Author(s):  
Gautam Gulati ◽  
Alan Cusack ◽  
Valerie Murphy ◽  
Brendan D. Kelly ◽  
Shane Kilcommins ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives: Disability awareness training is mandated by the United Nations Convention on People with Disabilities (UNCRPD), but there is a paucity of evidence regarding the systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of such training. This study describes the evaluation of a pilot intellectual disability awareness programme for law enforcement officers (LEOs) in Ireland. Methods: Pre-and post-training Likert scales and a semi-structured survey were used to evaluate the effectiveness of an intellectual disabilities awareness programme delivered to LEOs. Quantitative differences in Likert scores and thematic analyses of practice-based responses were used in evaluation. Results: Twenty-two LEOs participated in the training and 11 completed the evaluation cycle. Statistically significant improvements were found in participants’ self-rated knowledge of intellectual disability, their understanding of the challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities in law enforcement interactions, their communication skills and their knowledge of how to approach a person with a disability in crisis. Thematic analysis excavated potential practical application of learning around pre-arrest considerations, recognition of disability, communication skills and need for procedural safeguards. Conclusions: An approach grounded in the views of people with intellectual disabilities and with emphasis on recognition of disability, communication, accessibility of information and providing appropriate support in custody, appears to promote improvement in self-reported knowledge and prospective application in LEOs. The findings of this study are potentially applicable to countries that have ratified the UNCRPD.

2015 ◽  
Vol 120 (3) ◽  
pp. 258-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynn Esdale ◽  
Andrew Jahoda ◽  
Carol Pert

AbstractThrough experiencing stigma and discrimination, people with intellectual disability may become more sensitive to criticism from others and be less likely to believe praise. This study compared how people with and without intellectual disability viewed praise and criticism, using a vignette task developed for the study. Participants were asked to imagine someone saying something praiseworthy or critical and were then asked about their emotions, beliefs, and thoughts. People with intellectual disability were more likely to believe and be distressed by criticism. Contrary to predictions, this group were also more likely to believe praise and experience positive affect. The results suggest that the self-perceptions of people with intellectual disabilities is more dynamic and reliant on the views of others.


2013 ◽  
pp. 198-223
Author(s):  
Darren D. Chadwick ◽  
Chris Fullwood ◽  
Caroline J. Wesson

This chapter provides insight into the nature of online engagement by people with intellectual disabilities, the extent and quality of this engagement in terms of the access that people have, and how people with intellectual disabilities present themselves in the online world. The authors of this chapter provide an overview of the extant literature on intellectual disability, identity, and the Internet. The chapter begins by outlining issues around Internet use and access by people with intellectual disabilities, including potential barriers. It then moves on to address online behaviour and the potential benefits of Internet use for people with intellectual disabilities. The chief focus of the chapter follows, describing the manner in which computer mediated communication affects how people with intellectual disabilities present themselves in the online world as well as considering the role that family members and supporters play in the development and management of people’s online identities. Finally, the chapter introduces future directions for research into intellectual disability, identity, and the Internet.


Author(s):  
Darren D. Chadwick ◽  
Chris Fullwood ◽  
Caroline J. Wesson

This chapter provides insight into the nature of online engagement by people with intellectual disabilities, the extent and quality of this engagement in terms of the access that people have, and how people with intellectual disabilities present themselves in the online world. The authors of this chapter provide an overview of the extant literature on intellectual disability, identity, and the Internet. The chapter begins by outlining issues around Internet use and access by people with intellectual disabilities, including potential barriers. It then moves on to address online behaviour and the potential benefits of Internet use for people with intellectual disabilities. The chief focus of the chapter follows, describing the manner in which computer mediated communication affects how people with intellectual disabilities present themselves in the online world as well as considering the role that family members and supporters play in the development and management of people’s online identities. Finally, the chapter introduces future directions for research into intellectual disability, identity, and the Internet.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 1019-1032 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Watchman ◽  
Kate Mattheys ◽  
Andrew Doyle ◽  
Louise Boustead ◽  
Orlando Rincones

There is limited global evidence exploring perceptions of dementia among people with intellectual disabilities. This article presents findings from the first known study where an inclusive research team, including members with intellectual disability, used photovoice methodology to visually represent views of people with intellectual disabilities and dementia. Drawing on Freire’s empowerment pedagogy, the study aims were consistent with global photovoice aims: enabling people to visually record critical dialogue about dementia through photography and social change. We investigated the benefits and challenges of photovoice methodology with this population and sought to identify perspectives of dementia from people with intellectual disabilities. Data collected identified issues such as peers “disappearing” and the importance of maintaining friendship as dementia progressed. Although reaching policymakers is a key aim of photovoice, this may not always be achievable, suggesting that revisiting Freire’s original methodological aims may lead to improved outcomes in co-produced research with marginalized groups.


2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marisa Casanova Dias ◽  
Bhathika Perera ◽  
Florian Riese ◽  
Livia De Picker ◽  
Mariana Pinto da Costa ◽  
...  

Abstract The majority of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and psychiatric disorders access mainstream mental health services across Europe. However, only 56% of countries provide postgraduate psychiatric training in ID according to a survey across 42 European countries. We explore the challenges of ID training and make recommendations for education and health policymakers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-116
Author(s):  
Mary McMahon ◽  
Karen Moni ◽  
Monica Cuskelly ◽  
Jan Lloyd ◽  
Anne Jobling

This study reports on Australian small-scale exploratory descriptive research into how young people with intellectual disability and their families construct their futures. The aims of this research were to (a) better understand the future aspirations held by young adults with intellectual disability and their parents, (b) identify enablers and barriers to the achievement of these aspirations, and (c) provide insights for career practitioners who support young people with intellectual disability and their parents to achieve their personal and career goals. Participants were four young people with intellectual disabilities aged between 18 and 30 years and their mothers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. Results provide a nuanced understanding of the issues facing young people with intellectual disabilities and their families in constructing their futures. Suggestions are offered that can inform career development practice and policy.


1997 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-70
Author(s):  
Laurie Buys

As most older adults with intellectual disabilities reside in community based accommodation, the availability of support programs and services becomes important to the maintenance of independent living. Thirty nine community based organisations in Brisbane, Australia that assist people with intellectual disabilities were surveyed regarding the types of programs offered to older adults with intellectual disabilities. The results showed that 75% of the organisations had provided assistance to an older adult with an intellectual disability in the past 12 months. However, none of the agencies surveyed reported that they provided specialised programs or services to older adults with intellectual disabilities.


2007 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anupama Iyer

I explore some of the ways in which intellectual disability (learning disability) is depicted in fiction. My premise is that literature both reflects and shapes societal attitudes to people in this vulnerable minority group. People with intellectual disabilities are seldom able to determine, confirm or counter narratives about themselves. This situation, in which the subject is fundamentally unable to participate in their representation, raises unique ethical considerations. I use examples from various English-language novels to discuss how subjective accounts, observable behaviours and physical attributes are all employed to characterise people with intellectual disabilities.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-34
Author(s):  
Marta Bibro ◽  
Agnieszka Jankowicz-Szymańska ◽  
Katarzyna Wódka ◽  
Małgorzata Łaczek-Wójtowicz

Background: In the population of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) there is a frequent occurrence of bone deformities and orthopedic problems affecting the feet as well. They are associated with a change of the loading of the feet. It affects the deterioration of the functional efficiency of the feet, often contributes to discomfort, pain and predisposes to the development of adverse changes in the upper body segments. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of intellectual disability in participants with aetiology other than Down’s syndrome on longitudinal arching and symmetry of lateral and medial load of the foot. Materials and methods: There were 38 participants with mild and moderate intellectual disability, with an average age of 23 years and 44 young non-disabled people with an average age of 20.8 under research. The main measurement tool used to assess the arching and loading the foot zones was the BTS P-WALK platform. The measurement included analysis in terms of statics and lasted 30s. Results: The comparison of both groups showed no significant differentiation in the medial and lateral load of the forefoot and rearfoot. Among people with ID correct arches of the feet were observed in 52.6% of participants in the right foot and 57.9% of the left foot, while in the control group in 56.9% in both the right and left foot. People with intellectual disabilities were characterized by a higher rate of flatfoot in relation to the control group. The hollow foot was more frequently observed in control group than in people with ID. Conclusions: In people with intellectual disabilities with aetiology other than Down’s syndrome, flat feet are diagnosed more often than in healthy peers who do not differ in body weight and BMI. Intellectual disability is associated with a greater loading of the medial part of the forefoot.


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