scholarly journals Understanding Community

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 181
Author(s):  
Virginia Cobigo ◽  
Lynn Martin ◽  
Rawad Mcheimech

The term community is used extensively in the peer reviewed literature, though it is used differently by researchers across various disciplines. A better understanding of community, as an object of study, is needed to help guide policy, supports and services planning, and to build inclusive communities. This paper presents the results of a review of existing definitions published in peer-reviewed papers from various disciplines studying human behaviours and interactions. It also presents the results of focus groups with four persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and members of their communities exploring their own definitions of community. Definitions of community extracted from the peer-reviewed literature were compared to identify common themes. Qualitative analysis revealed 13 themes, some more common than others. Focus groups transcripts were also analyzed. Themes identified in the literature review were also found in the focus groups discussion. However, a novel concept related to the notion of community as being composed of people who are unpaid to be part of this network was identified. Based on these results, a definition of community is derived to help further not only academic research in the area, but also to inform policy and practice aiming to build inclusive communities.

Inclusion ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan M. Burke ◽  
Catherine K. Arnold ◽  
Aleksa L. Owen

Abstract As individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live longer and begin to outlive their parents, siblings take on greater supportive roles including advocacy. Yet, little is known about the ways in which siblings advocate with and for their brothers and sisters with IDD as well as for broad, systemic changes. In this study, we conducted four focus groups (N = 18) with siblings of individuals with IDD. We found that siblings defined and engaged in case advocacy (i.e., advocacy on behalf of their brothers and sisters with IDD) and cause advocacy (i.e., advocacy for larger systemic changes). Regarding case advocacy, siblings were motivated to advocate to secure appropriate services for their brothers and sisters. For cause advocacy, siblings attempted to create sweeping changes for individuals with IDD by educating others and participating in collective advocacy methods. Regardless of the type of advocacy, all siblings felt they needed more information and peer support to effectively advocate. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.


2021 ◽  
pp. 174462952097555
Author(s):  
Lindsey Albrecht ◽  
Hannah Starnes ◽  
Katie Benton ◽  
Awel Bol ◽  
Emily Gettings ◽  
...  

Interactive digital art can be a beneficial therapeutic intervention for a variety of populations, but specifically for the population of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Interactive digital art uses the engagement of the participant to create a digital form of art. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the effects that interactive art has on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Interactive arts discussed were used in a variety of settings ranging from sand art, to using video games, or interactive art exhibits. Sand art and other digital painting methods were proven to be beneficial in improving cognitive functioning and social aspects of those with intellectual disabilities. While exploring the various settings, participant feedback was given in association with using interactive digital art.


Author(s):  
Martha E. Snell ◽  
Nancy Brady ◽  
Lee McLean ◽  
Billy T. Ogletree ◽  
Ellin Siegel ◽  
...  

Abstract This literature review was conducted to evaluate the current state of evidence supporting communication interventions for individuals with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. We reviewed 116 articles published between 1987 and 2007 in refereed journals meeting three criteria: (a) described a communication intervention, (b) involved one or more participants with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities, and (c) addressed one or more areas of communication performance. Many researchers failed to report treatment fidelity or to assess basic aspects of intervention effects, including generalization, maintenance, and social validity. The evidence reviewed indicates that 96% of the studies reported positive changes in some aspects of communication. These findings support the provision of communication intervention to persons with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. Gaps in the research were reported as were recommendations for future research.


2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 338-352
Author(s):  
Susan Neely-Barnes ◽  
Stephen Zanskas ◽  
Daniel Lustig ◽  
Rachel Duerr ◽  
Minna Zhao

Purpose:We sought to understand the experiences of family members and direct care staff of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a private pay day program focused on socialization and recreational skills.Method:Two focus groups were held with parents/caregivers and one with staff. Using an interpretive method, two investigators independently coded the transcripts and arrived at themes.Results:Themes identified included transition, lack of information, lack of resources, caregiver needs, independence, employment, and education.Conclusion:Families and staff experienced frustration with service fragmentation/access to alternative programming. Families and staff wanted opportunities for employment and independent living programming but lacked resources. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.


Inclusion ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 205-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karrie A. Shogren ◽  
Brian Abery ◽  
Anthony Antosh ◽  
Ricky Broussard ◽  
Barbara Coppens ◽  
...  

Abstract This article reports the recommendations of the Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy Strand from the National Goals 2015 conference. The recommendations provide direction on research goals to advance policy and practice related to self-advocacy and self-determination over the next 10 years. Seven recommendations and multiple subrecommendations were developed over a 2-day meeting by leaders in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. The recommended goals provide direction for research initiatives related to collective self-advocacy and personal self-determination. Implications for the field are discussed.


2015 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan M. Burke ◽  
Thomas Fish ◽  
Kathy Lawton

Abstract Siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are likely to become caregivers for their brothers and sisters. The expectations of and experiences with caregiving, however, may be different. In this study, using focus groups, we compared the perspectives of siblings who were current caregivers (n  =  25) to siblings who anticipated being caregivers (n  =  17). Responses were compared and contrasted across four areas: caregiving responsibilities, rewards, challenges, and opinions toward being paid as a caregiver. Both caregiver groups were knowledgeable about and invested in their brothers and sisters. Also, they both reported that they enjoyed bonding with their brothers and sisters. Challenges, for current caregivers, related to understanding and navigating the service system. In contrast, anticipated caregivers were concerned about planning for the future. Mixed viewpoints were expressed about receiving pay for providing care although a greater number of current caregivers were receptive to it as a means to supporting their own families.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha Saqib

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review state-of-the-art literature on product/brand positioning to re-examine the positioning concept and developing a more comprehensive definition from a theoretical viewpoint. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review of positioning was conducted. The review conformed to a rigorous set of core principles: it was systematic (organized according to a method designed to address the review questions), transparent (explicitly stated), reproducible and updatable and synthesized (summarized the evidence relating to the review question). Findings The literature review reveals that there is lack of coherent definition for positioning, and there is no mutual agreement among marketing scholars and practitioners about the exact meaning of the concept. Therefore, comprehensive definition of positioning encompassing the five underlying positioning perspectives (competition; empty slot/mind; consumers’ perception, differentiation and competitive advantage) is suggested. Research limitations/implications This paper will be useful for academicians to analyze the current nature of academic research in this area and will provide an added advantage to managers to design and implement positioning strategies for their product/brands that will allow their organizations to gain competitive advantage. This study acknowledges limitations with respect to its exclusive search criteria, which might affect its generalizability. Social implications Position and positioning is of relevance in society in broad terms, e.g. in sports, politics and culture. Positioning strategy is discussed and implemented in different industries (business-to-business and consumer), for all kinds of brands (including, for instance, corporate brands) and for “brands” in the very widest sense (such as places or people). Originality/value This is the first systematic review of positioning that provides a detailed understanding of the current state of positioning research on a single platform and also draws a comprehensive positioning conceptualization.


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