Commentary on “Why study the history of learning disability?”

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Bradshaw ◽  
Peter McGill
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
General Application ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Concepts ◽  
Theory To Practice ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Difference

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on “Why study the history of learning disability?” by Goodey. Design/methodology/approach – In his paper, Goodey makes the point that the term “learning disability” is not a fixed, stable concept, but one which has changed and evolved over time. This commentary explores the difference between care staff and professional understandings of people with learning disabilities including how these have changed in recent times. Findings – Care staff knowledge is likely to be based on direct experiences of particular people with learning disabilities whilst professional knowledge is likely to be based on theoretical concepts of general application. These differences in source of knowledge may interfere with desired collaboration between staff and professionals. Originality/value – This commentary suggests that differences in understandings should be recognised and the application of theory to practice is far from simple.

The importance of developing confidence and self-esteem in children with a learning disability

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 188-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayley Goleniowska
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Risk Taking ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Worth

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to look at the importance of self-esteem in individuals with a learning disability. Design/methodology/approach – The paper explore ways of developing self-esteem and confidence with simple techniques for parents and carers of those with learning disabilities to try. Findings – Anecdotal examples are given by a mother of a child who has Down's Syndrome. The paper outlines ways parents and professionals can increase the self-worth of individuals with a learning disability through fun play, encouraging relevant social and life skills, even safe risk taking. The paper outlines the need for accepting and praising your child for who they are as well as seeking out positive role models. Originality/value – Self-esteem and confidence are crucial ingredients in giving people with learning disabilities a sense of well-being and of beings valued member of a community. They are also key in keeping depression and loneliness at bay.

scholarly journals Feeling down and understanding depression

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-7
Author(s):  
Peter Cronin ◽  
Liam Peyton ◽  
Eddie Chaplin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer a perspective on depression and self-help from two experts with lived experience of learning disabilites. Design/methodology/approach This paper outlines the authors’ presentation and experiences at the recent Learning Disability Today conference. Findings The paper shares some things we can do to help our mental wellbeing. Originality/value This paper offers the view of two people with learning disabilities lived experience of depression. The paper also offers and insight into some of the strategies they use to manage and encourage positive mental health.

Commentary on: “Ordinary lives” means ordinary schools: towards a unitary 0-99 years policy for adults and children with learning disabilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-52
Author(s):  
Becky Hardiman
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Future ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Effective Inclusion ◽  
Future Of Education

Purpose The purpose of this study is to reflect on some of the challenges faced by caregivers when making decisions relating to school placements for their child with a learning disability. Design/methodology/approach Quotes from parents and caregivers, contacted via a national syndrome support charity, are shared, along with broader perspectives gained through the charity’s helpline service. Findings A number of themes are discussed, including friendships and role models; expectations and educational targets; training, speciality and capacity of staff and managing a widening gap. Originality/value When considering the future of education provision, it is important to consider some of the tensions between an ideology of inclusion and the current realities of service provision. To create effective solutions to achieving more effective inclusion, the concerns and experiences of families, as well as children, must be considered.

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland – a unique and influential voice

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 137-147
Author(s):  
Colin McKay ◽  
Heather Welsh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Roles And Responsibilities ◽  
History Of

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the unique and independent role of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the reader through the history of the Commission, its changing status, roles and responsibilities, its influence and impact, and current priorities. It is based on details of the Commission ' s development, narrative from current employees and published investigations and advice. Findings – The Mental Welfare Commission has advanced significantly since its original establishment. It plays a vital role in protecting the human rights of people in Scotland with learning disabilities and mental illness, by visiting those who are in receipt of care or treatment, investigating situations of concern, providing advice and guidance, monitoring the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and shaping relevant policy and legislation. Originality/value – This paper provides an introduction to the work of the Commission, which will be of value to readers in Scotland and beyond. It illustrates its importance in preserving the rights of individuals with learning disabilities and mental illness in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other legislation.

Participation and engagement of people with a learning disability in the lead up to the 2015 general election

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Holland
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
General Election ◽  
Political Debate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
National Debate ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Purpose – As a commentary on the article by Ian Hood, the purpose of this paper is to consider participation of people with a learning disability in the lead-up to the 2015 UK general election. It looks at available data on participation and the barriers people face to engagement in the national debate, the process of registering to vote as well as voting itself. Design/methodology/approach – A number of initiatives taken to increase participation are considered and their success evaluated. Available data on participation and previous research are also considered. Findings – It is possible to boost the numbers of people engaged in voting and related activities. More research is needed to look at the impact of moving to a system of individual electoral registration and at whether overall participation by people with a learning disability is increasing over time. The barriers identified need to be tackled if people with a learning disability are to be more fully engaged in voting and the national political debate. Originality/value – Findings will be of particular value to those organisations and individuals interested in increasing the proportion of people with learning disabilities voting in future elections.

Ordinary lives means ordinary schools: towards a unitary 0-99 years policy for adults and children with learning disabilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-46
Author(s):  
Christopher Goodey
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Learning Disabled ◽  
General Sense ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Adult Lives

Purpose This paper aims to look forward to the next generation of policymaking on learning disability and recommends a unitary strategy covering all phases of life including childhood. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the author addresses the policy gap between inclusion in ordinary (“mainstream”) schools and inclusion in ordinary adult life. The author asks why what has been accepted, at least in principle, for the adult two-thirds of the learning disabled population is still contested for the other, younger third. In the following sections, the author summarises the present discrepancy, compares the rights of children in general with those of people with learning disabilities and outlines the rationale for a 0-99 years focus in research and practice on learning disability, and for future government strategy to establish a 0-99 policy. Findings It is in the broad context of a unitary 0-99 years approach that policymaking must in future be addressed. The education of children is key to the success of their adult lives, and makes the policy of educating them together in ordinary schools (i.e. giving them from the start the “ordinary lives” that are the main goal of adult policy) an imperative. Originality/value The need to consider children’s rights in a general sense has not previously been applied to the field of policymaking for adults with learning disabilities.

Learning disability market position statements, are they fit for purpose?

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 206-210
Author(s):  
Alison Giraud-Saunders
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Social Change ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Market Position ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Needs Assessments ◽  
Robust Planning ◽  
Fit For Purpose

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the issues raised in the article “Learning disability market position statements (MPS), are they fit for purpose?” Design/methodology/approach The commentary draws on the literature and the author’s experience in developing commissioning. Findings Published documents such as MPS and joint strategic needs assessments do not give an encouraging picture of progress in commissioning with and for people with learning disabilities. Actual commissioning practice may or may not be stronger than the documents suggest; however, more robust planning may help to sustain progress through times of organisational and social change. Originality/value The commentary sets MPS in the context of other guidance on commissioning and development of services. It addresses questions about the need for published statements and the factors that help or hinder development of commissioning.

Learning disability training and probation officer knowledge

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-131
Author(s):  
Margaret Townsend ◽  
Jayne Henry ◽  
Rachel R. Holt
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Probation Officers ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Knowledge about learning disabilities has found to be limited in both health and social care staff. To improve the treatment of individuals with learning disabilities and mental health problems within the criminal justice system (CJS), Lord Bradley recommends that professionals receive mental health and learning disability awareness training. However, little is known about the impact of training on the knowledge of professionals in the CJS. This study aims to investigate the impact of a 3-h learning disability training session on the knowledge of probation officers. Design/methodology/approach Using a repeated measures design, the impact of a 3-h learning disability training session on the knowledge of 12 probation officers was analysed. Findings In support of this study’s hypothesis, a repeated measures t-test revealed a significant difference between participants pre-training and post-training learning disability knowledge questionnaire (LDKQ) scores. Participants scored significantly higher on the LDKQ post-training compared to pre-training. A linear regression revealed that years worked in probation did not significantly predict participant’s difference scores. Research limitations/implications Limitations of this study and directions for future studies are discussed. Originality/value This paper demonstrates that learning disability training can significantly improve the knowledge of probation officers.

Commentary on “Specialist community teams for adults with learning disabilities: referrals to a countywide service in England”

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-55
Author(s):  
Lawrence Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
National Service ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Processing Demands ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Management Approaches ◽  
The Way

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the paper “Specialist community teams for adults with learning disabilities: referrals to a countywide service in England” by Isabel Clare and colleagues.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews some themes presented in this paper relating to the practice and management of community teams for adults with learning disability within the context of recent national service initiatives.FindingsThere is a limited literature on the practice, purpose and service caseload management of community teams. Taken in the context of recent national service initiatives, the paper by Clareet al.illustrates the gaps between the way community teams are currently processing demands and how these services will likely need to behave in future.Originality/valueThere is little recent literature examining the purpose of, and management approaches in, community teams and this addition should stimulate some further consideration of how community teams need to adjust to meet changing demands.

Commentary on “Afraid to leave the house: issues leading to social exclusion and loneliness for people with a learning disability”

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 176-179
Author(s):  
Rachel A. Harrison
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Positive Change ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on, “Afraid to leave the house: issues leading to social exclusion and loneliness for people with a learning disability”. Design/methodology/approach This paper considers the impacts of cuts to services, support and care that people with learning disabilities experience and the effects these cuts can have on social inclusion and positive social networks. Ways in which these impacts can be overcome are considered. Findings Listening to the voices of people with learning disabilities can provide opportunities for positive change which meet the needs of people with learning disability and society more widely. Originality/value The commentary uses evidence to consider the effects of cuts to services on the lives of people with learning disability and to provide possible solutions.

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