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This paper describes the use of a new project, ‘from the inside looking out’ (FILO) (N. Richardson Unpublished data), to develop communication, interaction and emotional literacy skills with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. The authors utilized tools derived from Intensive Interaction Therapy [D. Hewett & M. Nind (1994) Access to communication. London, David Fulton Publishers; D. Hewett & M. Nind (1998) Interaction in action: reflections on the use of Intensive Interaction. London, David Fulton Publishers] and applied these within a FILO paradigm to run an 8-week group with five participants where the aim was to build relationships and enhance awareness of emotional variables. The results were measured using both quantitative and qualitative analysis and it was found that a number of discreet observable behaviours related to interactive ability were positively changed across all participants. Important processes within the group are analysed and recommendations for expanding this approach in the future are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports on the development and piloting of the Social Inclusion Interview Schedule (SIIS). This uses pictures to explore social networks and feelings of social inclusion. The background, conceptual framework and development of the interview schedule are discussed and interim findings are highlighted. The challenge of not just identifying the constituents of a social network but also attributing some measure of intensity to the relationships and activities identified will be considered. The study site is Bradford in the UK and the study population are young people with learning disabilities and their carers. There is a specific focus on people from the South Asian community resident in the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have indicated that people with learning disabilities have few friends. Making friends requires both opportunities and skills. This paper focuses on the development of skills in order to facilitate friendship; an area that has received limited attention in the literature. Traditional social skills approaches are considered briefly, before moving on to discuss peer-mediated approaches. Peer-mediated approaches appear promising, with positive changes in the social behaviour of children with disabilities reported. It appears few studies have directly investigated maintenance, and evidence of generalization is limited. Factors that may improve generalization and maintenance are discussed. Finally, consideration is given to whether peer-mediated approaches actually facilitate friendship, rather than simply increasing interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary We wanted to find out about a training programme for staff working in learning disability services. This training was carried out by people with a learning disability and was about their needs for choice, rights and respect. We also wanted to find out about the training they had to become trainers. • Seven people with a learning disability were asked to become trainers to staff. • This article will tell you how the trainers were trained and what they thought about it. • One hundred and nineteen staff who attended the training were asked what they thought about it. Staff said they found it very useful because the trainers themselves had a learning disability. • We also asked the trainers what they thought about being a trainer and they told us they have all learnt new skills. • We want to tell people about the importance of training like this so that more people with a learning disability are helped to become trainers, and because staff and the public can learn a lot from them. This article presents the findings of an independent evaluation of a pilot project in Northern Ireland called ‘Telling it like it is!’ (TILII) conducted over a 2 year timeframe (2005–2007). Seven people with a learning disability were recruited and trained as TILII trainers. With the help of a project facilitator, they designed and presented a values based training programme for staff working in learning disability services. For the purposes of this evaluation, 12 training sessions were evaluated by 119 course recipients who completed feedback forms at the end of the training session they attended. Comments were documented qualitatively and responses were thematically categorised. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the TILII trainers. Eight course participants also participated in semi-structured interviews. Findings clearly demonstrate that the trainer role has had a positive impact on the trainers; empowering them to become self-advocates and increasing their confidence and interpersonal skills. Course recipients reported that the training was an effective tool for gaining a better understanding of people with learning disability’s perspective of their own needs and wishes, and highlighted the values that staff should demonstrate in their work. Additional follow-up evaluation to assess the long-term impact of this training in practice is needed, however it is hoped that more projects of this nature will be adopted in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary • It is often hard for people with intellectual disabilities to learn about sexuality and relationships. • It is also often hard for workers to talk about this issue with them. • We set up an education program so that people with intellectual disabilities could learn more about sexuality and relationships. • People found it useful although they said that sometimes it was embarrassing. • We found it was important to give parents and carers training too to support people with intellectual disabilities [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]