Reducing the barriers to relationships and sexuality education for persons with intellectual disabilities

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Attracta Lafferty ◽  
Roy McConkey ◽  
Audrey Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Sexuality Education ◽  
Professional Staff ◽  
Family Carers ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Stakeholder Groups ◽  
Management Procedures ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Vulnerable Persons

Opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities to participate in relationships and sexuality education (RSE) are often constrained by the attitudes and perceptions of family carers, frontline support workers and professional staff. In order to understand how the barriers might be reduced, a study was undertaken in Northern Ireland with samples drawn from these three stakeholder groups, involving nearly 100 persons and using group and individual interviews. Although there was agreement on the need for RSE, four barriers were commonly reported: the need to protect vulnerable persons; the lack of training; the scarcity of educational resources; and cultural prohibitions. The impact of these barriers could be lessened through partnership working across these groups involving the provision of training and information about RSE, the development of risk management procedures and the empowerment of people with intellectual disabilities.

Views of family carers to the future accommodation and support needs of their relatives with intellectual disabilities

2006 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 140-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy McConkey ◽  
Jayne McConaghie ◽  
Owen Barr ◽  
Paul Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Service Planning ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Family Carers ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Supported Accommodation ◽  
The Family ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities

AbstractObjectives: The demand for places in supported accommodation is likely to rise due to the increasing longevity of people with intellectual disabilities and as their parents become unavailable or unable to care for them. However few attempts have been made to ascertain carer's views on alternative accommodation.Method: Four studies were undertaken in Northern Ireland to ascertain carer's views using three different methods. In all, 387 carers participated with the response being greatest for individual interviews conducted in the family home and least for self-completed questionnaires and attendance at group meetings.Results: The majority of carers envisaged the person continuing to be cared for within the family. The most commonly chosen out-of-home provision was in residential or nursing homes, living with support in a house of their own and in homes for small groups of people. Few carers chose living with another family. However only small numbers of carers envisaged alternative provision being needed in the next two years and few had made any plans for alternative living arrangements.Conclusions: The implications for service planning are noted, primarily the need for individual reviews of future needs through person-centred planning; improved information to carers about various residential options and their differential benefits, along with more services aimed at improving the quality of life of people living with family carers. These need to be underpinned by a commitment of statutory agencies to partnership working with family carers. The implications for mental health services are noted.

scholarly journals The Design, Content and Delivery of Relationship and Sexuality Education Programmes for People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review of the International Evidence

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (20) ◽  
pp. 7568
Author(s):  
Michael Brown ◽  
Edward McCann ◽  
Maria Truesdale ◽  
Mark Linden ◽  
Lynne Marsh
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Sexuality Education ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Quality Appraisal ◽  
Programme Development ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Adults With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

There is growing empirical evidence regarding the relationship and sexuality experiences and needs of children, young people and adults with intellectual disabilities. A total of twelve papers met the inclusion criteria regarding relationship and sexuality education (RSE) programmes specific to the needs of this population. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed and quality appraisal undertaken. The four themes identified were principles informing RSE programme development, design and content of RSE programmes, delivery of RSE programmes and evaluation of RSE programmes. The discussion presents areas that need to be addressed to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities, their families, carers and professionals are fully involved in the design and delivery of RSE programmes. Further research is required to identify the impact of the programmes and the sustained outcomes achieved. Recommendations are made regarding the activities required to enable the development of evidence-based and person-centred approaches to relationship and sexuality programmes.

scholarly journals Sexual Health in Spanish People with Intellectual Disability: the Impact of the Lockdown due to COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Dolores Gil-Llario ◽  
Irene Díaz-Rodríguez ◽  
Vicente Morell-Mengual ◽  
Beatriz Gil-Juliá ◽  
Rafael Ballester-Arnal
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
The People ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Technological Improvements ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction The lockdown due to COVID-19 affected the sexual health of the people with intellectual disabilities by differentially modifying the frequency and characteristics of people’s sexual activity depending on whether or not they lived with a partner during this period. The aim of this study was to analyze the extent to which the sexual behavior of people with intellectual disabilities (with and without a partner) was affected during the lockdown. Methods The sample consisted of 73 people with intellectual disabilities between 21 and 63 years old (M = 39.63; SD = 10.11). The variables analyzed were the physical, social, and technological environment during the lockdown, sexual appetite, sexual behavior, online sexual activity, and sexual abuse. The data were collected between the months of May and June of 2020. Results The lockdown increased the sexual appetite of a third of the sample (38%), especially the youngest participants. Sexual activity focused on autoeroticism and online behavior, particularly sending nude images of oneself (88%) and viewing pornography (83.6%). Rates of sexual abuse during this period were relatively high (6.8%). Conclusions The sexual activity of people with ID was important during the lockdown, and they had to adapt to the circumstances of isolation in a similar way to the general population. Technological improvements in terms of devices and connection quality at home allowed their sexual behavior to be reoriented, opening the door to new risks for the sexual health of people with ID. Policy Implications Cybersex and the increase in sexual abuse due to confinement are aspects that should be included in programs to improve the sexual health of this group.

A systematic review of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with people with intellectual disabilities: an unsafe gap in the literature

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chloe Crompton ◽  
Bethany Duncan ◽  
Graham Simpson-Adkins
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Adverse Childhood Experiences ◽  
World Health ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to systematically review the available evidence that explores adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in people with intellectual disabilities (PwID). It is important to systematically review this literature as, to date, there is little known about the number of studies in this area, despite the World Health Organization declaring ACE prevention and support as a global public health priority. Design/methodology/approach Published studies were identified from electronic database searches. Key journals and reference lists were also hand searched. Findings Two studies met the inclusion criteria and the prevalence and frequency of ACEs experienced by participants of these studies analysed. Overall, due to the small number of studies meeting the inclusion criteria, it is difficult to establish any meaningful conclusions. Originality/value This appears to be the first systematic review to try and identify a research base looking at the prevalence of ACEs within a PwID population. Findings suggest that this is a highly neglected area of research, and the authors hope to have identified that further evidence is required to draw clearer conclusions about the impact of ACEs on PwID.

Huronia's Double Bind: How Institutionalisation Bears Out on the Body

Somatechnics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-111
Author(s):  
Jen Rinaldi ◽  
Kate Rossiter
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Institutional Care ◽  
The Body ◽  
Interview Data ◽  
Double Bind ◽  
Total Institution ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Gendered Bodies ◽  
The Impact

Frequently missing from histories of forced institutionalisation are close readings of the enduring impact on survivors' corporeality. In this article the authors analyse interview data featuring people who survived the Huronia Regional Centre: a total institution designed to warehouse people with intellectual disabilities that operated in Canada from 1876 to 2009. These interviews reveal the impact of institutional technologies on the bodies of the institutionalised, and how institutional survivors resisted those technologies. Institutional rituals meant to organise and cleanse residents, resulted in the reification of institutional subjects as inescapably contaminated. Drawing from Mary Douglas's theory of dirt and Julia Kristeva's interpretation of dirt as abjection, the authors engage with interview data on daily institutional care routines, particularly dressing, eating, showering, and the administration of medication, to show how these rituals produced for the institutionalised subject meanings around gender and disability as markers of defilement. The authors argue that the kinds of deeply oppressive and often violent rituals central to lived experiences of institutionalisation are grounded in the assumption that disabled gendered bodies are already-abject, hence the institutional demand for the institutionalised to be brought under control.

scholarly journals Exploring coping strategies of carers looking after people with intellectual disabilities and dementia

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 292-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhathika D. Perera ◽  
Penny J. Standen
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Family Carers ◽  
Narrative Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose – Carers play a vital role in looking after people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Caring role can be stressful and challenging in nature. Carers use various coping strategies to deal with stressors. The purpose of this paper is to explore coping strategies of carers looking after people with ID and dementia. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative methodology was used to explore coping strategies. Focus groups and face-to-face interviews were carried out. These interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings – Nine interviews with carers (six paid carers and three family carers) and two focus groups with nursing staff looking after people with ID were carried out. Three key themes of “Narrative”, “Strategy toolbox” and “Compartmentalisation” emerged from analysis. Narrative and strategy took box were further subthemed. Carers had narratives about them and the person they look after. These “narratives” helped them to deal with day to day stressors. They also carried a “strategy toolbox”, which they used when they were in stressful situations. Compartmentalisation helped them to separate their personal life from work life as a carer. Originality/value – Understanding carers’ coping strategies is important when planning services to help carers who play an important role in our society. Professionals can support carers to understand and improve their existing coping skills and help them to thrive in their role as carers.

scholarly journals Family Voices: Life for Family Carers of People with Intellectual Disabilities in Ireland

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darren D. Chadwick ◽  
Hasheem Mannan ◽  
Edurne Garcia Iriarte ◽  
Roy McConkey ◽  
Patricia O'Brien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Family Carers ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities

The influence of intellectual disability on longitudinal arching and symmetry of lateral and medial load of the foot

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-34
Author(s):  
Marta Bibro ◽  
Agnieszka Jankowicz-Szymańska ◽  
Katarzyna Wódka ◽  
Małgorzata Łaczek-Wójtowicz
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Down's Syndrome ◽  
Down’S Syndrome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Functional Efficiency ◽  
Flat Feet ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

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.

Social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities: the impact of place of residence

2005 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy McConkey ◽  
Marlene Sinclair ◽  
Dympna Walsh-Gallagher
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Place Of Residence ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectives: People with intellectual disabilities are increasingly living in more domestic style accommodation, either in housing provided within a specialised campus setting or in ordinary houses in community settings. The main objective of the study was to determine if the extent of residents' involvement with their families and with the local community varied when they resided in campus settings (n = 55) or community housing (n = 51) and to investigate the main predictors of this involvement.Method: With the resident's permission, their key-workers – mainly nurses – completed standard questionnaires that covered resident characteristics, contact with families and a range of life experiences.Results: Although the type of accommodation did have a significant effect on residents' social inclusion in families and communities, the best predictor of this was the individual's level of dependency in personal self-care. Those who were more dependent tended to be more excluded.Conclusions: Staff working with more dependent residents need to proactively promote their social inclusion although this could be harder to achieve for those living in campus style settings.

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