An investigation of the delivery of health-related accessible information for adults with learning disabilities

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Mander
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Accessible Information ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Community Based Learning ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Implementation Stage

Purpose – People with learning disabilities often require support to fully understand information produced in an accessible format. What happens during the delivery of accessible information (AI) is largely unknown. The purpose of this paper is to examine the implementation stage of the AI process. Design/methodology/approach – Two community-based learning disability nurses and two people with learning disabilities took part in a non-participant observational study of the naturally occurring conversations that took place during the delivery of health-related AI. Conversation analysis was used to explore both vocal and non-vocal behaviours. Findings – Three clusters of episodes were identified: providing the AI, topic development, and consent. The use of AI appeared to provide a script for the delivery of the information; however, practical considerations of topic development and tailoring resources to the individual were evident. For sensitive conversations the use of shared experience and challenges in judging comprehension were apparent. Contradictory goals in the decision-making process were highlighted, presenting potential ethical dilemmas. Originality/value – The delivery of AI allowed for personalisation and appeared to support understanding; however, this was partly reliant on mutual empathy between the nurse and their client.

Realising the vision of communication inclusion

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Hartley Kean
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Communication Practice ◽  
Accessible Information ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Way

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on Clare Mander’s paper entitled “An investigation of the delivery of health-related accessible information for adults with learning disabilities”. The commentary discusses issues identified by the author in the field of accessible information and, more generally, inclusive communication practice. Design/methodology/approach – This commentary reviews factors which influence the communication accessibility of services and the policy, legislative and economic case for mainstreaming inclusive communication approaches. It highlights diversity in the definition of inclusive communication and the scope of its necessary implementation before proposing an approach to establishing consensus on the way forward. The commentary suggests how the task of mainstreaming inclusive communication throughout public services could be addressed, reflects on progress to date and proposes next steps for the growing numbers of those with an interest. Findings – Many factors influence communication accessibility. The communication attitude, knowledge, skills and resources individual providers and recipients bring to each interaction are as important as the whole organisation’s approach towards and investment in inclusive communication approaches. Legislation, policy, demographics and reducing budgets increase the requirement to mainstream inclusive communication approaches. Achieving this objective is an enormous task. Originality/value – Reflecting on all the drivers and influences on the objective of achieving mainstreamed quality inclusive communication practice throughout public services, the author offers potential suggestions for starting to address this enormous but worthwhile task with a view to generating discussion and collaboration among those with an interest.

First-hand experience of accessible information

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Mander
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Local Authority ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Accessible Information ◽  
Service Staff ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Framework Approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on primary research which investigated the first-hand experience of producing and implementing accessible information (AI). Design/methodology/approach – In total, 18 participants were recruited for a qualitative scoping exercise from four distinct sampling groups: adults with learning disabilities; specialist learning disability service staff; mainstream NHS and local authority staff; and speech and language therapists. Each participant took part in a semi-structured focus group or interview which explored their range of skills, knowledge and attitudes relating to AI. Findings – Framework approach to thematic analysis led to three main classifications: ideology of AI, AI practice and the outcomes of delivering AI. First-hand experience varied across the stakeholders, highlighting differences in the operationalisation of national policies and legislation. Originality/value – The data supported the notion of AI as a multifaceted process; although the practice of delivering accessible resources appeared less advanced than accessible resource production.

Brick by brick: building up our knowledge base on the abuse of adults with learning disabilities

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 130-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle McCarthy
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Knowledge Base ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Personal Relationships ◽  
Good Thing ◽  
Social Changes ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Many Sources

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to draw readers’ attention to the myriad ways to find out about abuse towards people with learning disabilities. Design/methodology/approach – Whilst acknowledging the continued importance of research studies specifically focused on the topic of abuse, this commentary reviews information about abuse of adults with learning disabilities from other sources, e.g., through service audits, studies on sexual and personal relationships. Findings – Having many sources of information about abuse against people with learning disabilities is a good thing, but there are some problems associated with this. First, some forms of abuse appear to be easier to find out about than others, and second, the difficult question of how the information can be used to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities. Originality/value – This commentary encourages readers to take a broad view of abuse of people with learning disabilities and to use all the knowledge available to support individuals, whilst at the same time demanding social changes.

scholarly journals Commentary on “promoting positive communication environments: a service evaluation”: the communication partnership as a focus for change

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 201-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Bunning
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Realist Evaluation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Communication ◽  
Communication Environments ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Instructional Training

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to debate the complexities of intervening with adults with learning disabilities and support staff in the natural environment and challenges of evaluating change. Design/methodology/approach A critical review of the relevance and amenability of communication partnerships for interventions that promote communication growth in context was carried out. Particular consideration was given to the mechanism for change and implications for research design. Findings The communication partnership is a reasonable focus for interventions aiming to promote the communication of adults with learning disabilities. Combining instructional training with in situ coaching appears to provide the most effective approach. Bringing about change within the dynamic context of communication is challenging and may benefit from an open, investigative design. Originality/value This paper synthesises the available evidence on intervening in the communication environment and debates the potential of realist evaluation as a context-focused research design.

Comparing psychopathology rates across autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 163-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martyn Matthews ◽  
Elliot Bell ◽  
Brigit Mirfin-Veitch
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Case Review ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Review Protocol ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare the rates and patterns of comorbid anxiety, depression and ADHD across people with: autism spectrum disorder (ASD) plus intellectual disability (ID), ASD/no ID (AS/HFA) and ID only. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained using structured file review and two psychometric screening instruments. File reviews used a modified version of the Case Review Protocol from the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychiatric Disorders for Use with Adults with Learning Disabilities. Screening employed the Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behaviour and the ASD-Comorbidity-Adults scale. Findings Levels of anxiety, depression and ADHD were high for all three groups, and greater than in general population studies. Between groups, the AS/HFA sample had significantly higher anxiety, while the ASD/ID group had significantly greater ADHD. Groups did not differ on measures of depression or total psychopathology. Levels of ADHD, but not anxiety or depression, increased with severity of ID and ASD symptoms. Research limitations/implications More research is needed on the relationship between ASD and both anxiety and ADHD, particularly the identification of these comorbid conditions and their treatment. Practical implications Rigorous screening for comorbid mental health conditions is required to achieve the best outcomes for adults with ASD. Originality/value The study used a broader community-based sample than previous comorbidity research. Including adults with ID but without ASD enabled a comparison of types and rates of disorder across three distinct but related groups with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Supported Loving – developing a national network to support positive intimate relationships for people with learning disabilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Bates
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Intimate Relationships ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
National Network ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Practical Development ◽  
Future Growth

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to outline the work of the Supported Loving Network from its origin in academic research to the practical development of a national Network supporting relationships for people with learning disabilities. Design/methodology/approach First, the need for the Network is established through a review of the research literature. The paper goes on to critically discuss the Network’s progress to date including its limitations and difficulties encountered, concluding by considering plans for future growth and development. Findings There is evidence that having a national Network is helpful in supporting intimate relationships for people with learning disabilities. The Network is having a positive impact on professionals who support people with learning disabilities by providing a space for discussion, inspiration and to share positive practice. However, an increase in resources would enable Supported Loving to have a wider reach and possibly a greater influence on organisations that provide social care to adults with learning disabilities. Originality/value The research indicates that people with learning disabilities are still less likely to have a loving relationship. The level of interest and engagement with Supported Loving implies that the Network is of value to people with learning disabilities and the professionals who work with them.

scholarly journals Day services and home care for adults with learning disabilities across the UK

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Hatton
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Day Services ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Over Time

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare data from national social care statistics on day services and home care for people with learning disabilities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Design/methodology/approach National social care statistics (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) reporting the number of adults with learning disabilities accessing day services and home care were reviewed, with data extracted on trends over time and rate of service use. Findings Regarding day services, despite some variations in definitions, the number of adults with learning disabilities in England, Scotland and Wales (but not Northern Ireland) using building-based day services decreased over time. Data from Scotland also indicate that adults with learning disabilities are spending less time in building-based day services, with alternative day opportunities not wholly compensating for the reduction in building-based day services. Regarding home care, there are broadly similar rates of usage across the four parts of the UK, with the number of adults with learning disabilities using home care now staying static or decreasing. Social implications Similar policy ambitions across the four parts of the UK have resulted (with the exception of Northern Ireland) in similar trends in access to day services and home care. Originality/value This paper is a first attempt to compare national social care statistics concerning day services and home care for adults with learning disabilities across the UK. With increasing divergence of health and social service systems, further comparative analyses of services for people with learning disabilities are needed.

scholarly journals A commentary on “First-hand experience of accessible information”

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Buell
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Product Design ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Initial Product ◽  
Building Capacity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Accessible Information ◽  
Constructing Knowledge ◽  
Attention To Detail

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on Mander's paper on people with learning disabilities’ first-hand experience of accessible information. Design/methodology/approach – The commentary reflects on some of the findings presented by Mander and builds on these, with particular emphasis on what it means to understand information. Findings – Everything from initial product design to building capacity and constructing knowledge requires expertise and attention to detail. Originality/value – There are no easy fix solutions to achieving understanding of information for people who have learning disabilities.

scholarly journals Living arrangements of adults with learning disabilities across the UK

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Hatton
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Nursing Care ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Trends Over Time ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Over Time

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare data from national social care statistics on the living situations of people with learning disabilities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Design/methodology/approach National social care statistics (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) reporting the living situations of adults with learning disabilities (residential and nursing care, living with family, other forms of accommodation) were accessed, with data extracted on trends over time and rate of service use. Findings There were substantial differences in the statistics collected across the UK. Overall, there were higher reported rates of adults with learning disabilities in residential/nursing accommodation in England than Scotland or Wales, but much lower reported rates of adults living in other forms of unsupported and supported accommodation and much lower reported rates of adults living with their families. In all three countries, trends over time suggest that reductions in residential care towards more independent living options may be stalling. In Northern Ireland reductions in currently extensive residential and nursing care services are continuing, unlike other parts of the UK. Social implications Despite similar policy ambitions across the four parts of the UK, statistics on the living situations of adults with learning disabilities report substantial differences. Originality/value This paper is a first attempt to compare national social care statistics concerning the living situations of adults with learning disabilities across the UK. With increasing divergence of health and social service systems, further comparative analyses of services for people with learning disabilities are needed.

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