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.

Cancer screening for people with learning disabilities and the role of the screening liaison nurse

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 239-246
Author(s):  
Anna Marriott ◽  
Sue Turner ◽  
Sharon Ashby ◽  
Deborah Rees
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Nurse Role ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Liaison Nurse

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the role of the screening liaison nurses for adults with learning disabilities employed by Peninsula Community Health. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reports on the national situation in regard to cancer screening for people with learning disabilities and explores the barriers which limit their participation in these screening programmes. It describes the screening liaison nurse role and presents case examples of the work they do. Findings – The local screening rates for people with learning disabilities have increased since the creation of this role in 2011. Originality/value – Increasing the uptake of cancer screening by people with learning disabilities is clearly in line with existing national priorities. To the author’s knowledge this is a unique role in this country and the authors propose that other areas would benefit from adopting this model of working.

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.

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.

Commentary on “Older carers of people with learning disabilities: their experiences with local authority assessment processes and personnel”

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie Gant
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Local Authority ◽  
Family Context ◽  
Policy Changes ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Needs Assessments ◽  
The Past ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on “Older carers of people with learning disabilities: their experiences with local authority assessment processes and personnel” written by Rachel Forrester-Jones. Design/methodology/approach This commentary considers the experiences of older carers in the context of research, legislative and policy changes over the past 30+ years. Findings The needs of older carers of adults with learning disabilities are well recognised within the (limited) literature. Less attention has been given to practical strategies to identify and support such carers or to their broader family context. Originality/value This commentary highlights that assessors carrying out carers’ needs assessments should consider whether adults with learning disabilities are providing care to their older relative. The recognition of possible mutual or reciprocal care needs to be acknowledged and appropriate support offered.

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.

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.

scholarly journals What are the support needs of women with learning disabilities who have been abused?

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-42
Author(s):  
Michelle McCarthy
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Support ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
Social Changes ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Abuse Of Women

Purpose – In discussing some of the issues arising from the article by Angela Olsen and Catherine Carter, the purpose of this paper is to draw readers’ attention to the various support needs women with learning disabilities may have. Design/methodology/approach – Critical analysis based on review of literature and the author’s research and practice-based experience. Findings – Women with learning disabilities have similar support needs to other women who have experienced violence and abuse. However, in order to get their needs met, they need access to information, support from professionals and to share experiences with other women. Originality/value – This commentary encourages readers to view the abuse of women with learning disabilities in a broad social context and to use all the knowledge available to protect and empower individuals, whilst at the same time demanding social changes to end discrimination and abuse.

Characteristics of the most expensive residential placements for adults with learning disabilities in South East England: a follow-up survey

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-102
Author(s):  
Roy Deveau ◽  
Peter McGill ◽  
Jo Poynter
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
The South ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
South East England ◽  
Practice Development ◽  
Residential Placements

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the characteristics of the highest cost residential placements provided for adults with learning disabilities in the South East of England, comparing findings with a previous survey. Design/methodology/approach – Lead commissioners for NHS and Local Authority teams in the South-East of England were asked to provide information on the five highest cost placements that they currently commissioned. Findings – The average placement cost was £200,000 per annum with a range from £81,000 to £430,000 per annum. Individual characteristics of people placed were broadly similar to those identified in previous studies. Originality/value – Significant resources are used to support relatively few individuals. These individuals’ needs and characteristics suggest areas for research and practice development.

scholarly journals Full and equal equality

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-77
Author(s):  
Marcus Redley
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Traditional Beliefs ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adults With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Equal Recognition

Purpose This commentary takes the article, “Participation of adults with learning disabilities in the 2015 United Kingdom General Election”, as a jumping-off point for considering a tension between the aim of full and equal equality for all people with disabilities as set out in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and more traditional beliefs, that on occasion, it is necessary to deny legal autonomy of men and women with intellectual disabilities in order to protect them. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This issue is explored by reviewing the multiple and often conflicting ways in which disability and intellectual disability are conceptualised. Findings Given the multiple and contradictory ways in which both disability and intellectual disability are understood, any discussion of the rights of persons with disabilities is going to be highly problematic. Originality/value Equal recognition before the law and the presumption that all persons with intellectual disabilities can – with support – make autonomous decisions could be treated as an empirical question.

Commentary on “The experiences of older carers of people with learning disabilities: ‘I just carry on with it’”

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-62
Author(s):  
Jan Sunman
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Voice

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the article by Rachel Forrester-Jones on the experiences of older carers of people with learning disabilities. Design/methodology/approach The commentary reflects on the themes identified in the original article, comparing its findings to the lived experiences of those taking part in older carers’ projects in Oxfordshire, England. Findings Similar broad themes were identified in both samples. Given these findings, the extent to which matters have changed, since the Valuing People work on older carers is considered. Originality/value The paper discusses policy and practice implications to improve the quality of life of older carers and their families and explores how the voice of older carers can be strengthened to enable them to shape practice and policy.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document