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The majority of studies about disability and the labour market tend to treat disabled people as a homogeneous group, without considering that their behaviour differs based on certain variables such as typology and degree of disability, education level, gender or age, particularly among those with intellectual disabilities. For this reason, the objective of this study is to analyse the relationship between employment inactivity among people with intellectual disabilities in Spain, and the principal conditioning factors for their entry into the labour market, in order to determine whether they differ from those affecting people with other types of disability. Employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities were found to be mainly affected by their education level, followed by their degree of disability and their gender. The educational level variable had the strongest impact: the higher the educational level, the greater the presence in the labour market. However, almost a third of the population with intellectual disabilities in Spain are illiterate and have no formal education, which means that they have a residual role in the labour market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Methods Findings Conclusions This paper was written by researchers with and without intellectual disability working in two Australian universities. Each university has an inclusive programme. The co‐researchers were former students of these programmes. The reason for this study was to find out what people in these two programmes did while they were at university, what they liked and disliked about their experience and what they have been doing since they finished university.Researchers recorded conversations about university experiences with 10 current and former students of the two programmes and five participants' family members. From this, the students' ‘journey’ to, through and after university was co‐written by a pair of researchers with and without lived experience. These stories were reviewed by a team of people with lived experience. In this paper, five journeys are presented as well as a summary of what was reported across all 10 stories.The study found that participants had a positive experience at university and developed self‐confidence. They enjoyed learning and having choices in their learning. Some students reported feeling included, meeting new people, having good relationships with mentors and having positive involvement with university clubs. Others reported difficulties making friends, feeling unaccepted or not fully included in all parts of university life. Some programme graduates went on to paid employment or other learning. Not all students felt supported with the move to other opportunities after university.This study highlights the importance of including people with intellectual disability as researchers and advisors in studies about people with intellectual disability. The study also shows more needs to be done within these programmes to help students develop genuine relationships at university beyond the programmes. More needs to be done to ensure new friendships continue after leaving the programme. Students also need to be better supported on their post‐university journeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conducting participatory action research (PAR) with people with and without intellectual disabilities presents challenges, primarily due to participants’ varying verbal expression and reflective thinking abilities, leading to potential power imbalances and unfair outcomes. This study investigates using the arts to address these issues in a residential care setting. We specifically chose to collaborate with an artist who maintained an autonomous artistic practice on the research site. This collaboration, occurring at the intersection of the arts, academia, and the residential care context, presented new opportunities and challenges, and thus demanding extensive ‘boundary work.’ In this article we address the fieldwork challenges we encountered to deepen the understanding of two interrelated questions: how can the arts stimulate equitable, collaborative moral learning processes between individuals with and without intellectual disabilities? And what kind of boundary work is required to facilitate these processes within the context of residential care for people with intellectual disabilities? This study confirms that the use of the arts can have an emancipatory effect on knowledge production by making abstract questions tangible and offering embodied ways to engage in meaning-making processes. We underscore the moral dimensions of these endeavours. Noticing that embodied reactions depend on others to move beyond the here-and-now, boundary work and a shared problem definition are indispensable. This study stresses that within the context of a residential care setting, boundaries exist not only between the fields of arts and the care organization but also within the care organization itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMethodResultsConclusionsShared decision-making between patients and primary healthcare professionals positively impacts health outcomes. However, people with intellectual disability face additional barriers and require supported shared decision-making (SSDM) to participate. Little is known about how healthcare professionals use SSDM with this population. This paper explores the facilitators and barriers experienced, and strategies/resources employed by healthcare professionals working with people with intellectual disability.Ten purposively sampled primary healthcare professionals participated in semi-structured interviews. This descriptive qualitative study used content analysis. Findings were compared with a proposed model of factors influencing triadic (the person with intellectual disability, their caregiver and the healthcare professional) SSDM.Five factor categories emerged: previous training/experience; engagement and trust; effective collaboration with caregivers; organisational culture and contexts; and familiarity/confidence with communication support strategies and resources.Healthcare professionals can leverage pre-existing skills and knowledge, but provision of targeted professional development may reduce anxiety and increase successful SSDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many countries around the world, individualised budgets are replacing 'block funding' as the primary way in which disability service provision is funded. These models assume that dynamics of competition improve services for people with disabilities. This article presents the findings of research on the accessibility and inclusiveness of mainstream services for people with intellectual disabilities in four Australian cities in the wake of the rollout of individual support budgets. We use the concept of 'repair' and the conceptual framework of 'landscapes of care and support' to analyse interviews with mainstream service managers. Our findings reveal that not-for-profit organisations perform crucial tasks in persuading for-profit service providers to collaborate with them to improve their accessibility and inclusion. When these services collaborate to repair service access, not-for-profit organisations often take on associated responsibility, costs and risk to encourage reparative adjustments in for-profit services. Not-for-profit organisations are also more likely to be tasked with the relational and interpersonal work that is crucial for successful service repair. Our findings challenge assumptions that free-market competition is the main driver of more accessible and inclusive service delivery and suggest how policy can support more equitable collaborative repair work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population level data on health of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are sorely needed to identify their health status, health disparities, and health needs. Key considerations to inform programs and policies need to address prevalence, problem identification, and progress assessment. Recent advances have been made in health data about people with disabilities generally that identify strategies for improving health data for people with IDD, including critical need for a standardized operational definition and survey identifiers of IDD. Past and current actions by federal agencies' to improve health data for health equity are summarized. Emerging developments in IDD health data are identified, including increasing use of self-report, data linking and harmonizing, intersectionality, and recognition of ableism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of postsecondary education (PSE) programs is increasing in the United States and worldwide with the goal of improving quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes for people with intellectual disability (ID). The current study explored if people with ID entering a residential college-based PSE program differed or were the same in their reported QOL outcomes as other young adults with ID. Findings indicate that soon-to-be college students responded similarly to national samples on a majority of QOL indicators. An important difference existed in paid employment; college-bound individuals responded more often that they had a paid job compared to respondents of the national surveys. Implications for studying QOL outcomes of individuals with ID who attend college and for practice and policy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of antipsychotic medication for treating individuals with a dual diagnosis of intellectual disability (ID) and schizophrenia. Methods: We systematically reviewed the literature to explore the risks and benefits of antipsychotics for schizophrenia in ID. In addition, a cross-sectional retrospective study on the tolerance profiles of a representative ID and schizophrenia cohort was conducted. Results: From the systematic search, we retained 18 articles detailing information on 24 cases. In almost all cases, the antipsychotic improved psychotic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusions, disorganization). Negative manifestations were also improved (blunted affects, amotivation, poor rapport), as were challenging behaviors in a few cases. The most commonly reported side effects were neurological (extra-pyramidal, movement disorder, epilepsy) and metabolic manifestations. In the retrospective cross-sectional study, we reported data on 112 participants with comorbid ID and schizophrenia. In all, 103 participants were antipsychotic-treated, of which 39% were on antipsychotic monotherapy. Of these, 35% were in the obesity range, 25% in the hyperglycemic range, and 25% in the dyslipidemia range. The body mass index did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: This study provides an initial evidence base underpinning the efficacy of antipsychotic drugs on schizophrenia in the ID population. Nevertheless, there may be an increased risk of metabolic side effects, hence, close monitoring of blood glucose, lipids, and weight should be implemented when prescribing antipsychotics to this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) operates as a lens of analysis to show that the insanity doctrine and its dispositions discriminate against the category of people with mental disabilities to whom the defence applies. However, while identifying the discrimination perpetuated by the insanity doctrine, this article argues that the CRPD Committee has failed to uncover the ultimate source of disadvantage of which the doctrine is merely symptomatic. Instead, it is argued that the criminal justice system entrenches a notion of 'capacity-responsibility' which situates the mentally disabled defendant as the 'other'. In an attempt to challenge this embedded structural injustice, the article thus calls on the CRPD Committee for a more holistic application of the CRPD, to provide the tools to challenge that will move towards greater equality for people with mental disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes, through a documentary analysis with a qualitative approach, how the traffic police have a stigma towards mental illnesses. The introduction describes the prevalence of mental disorders and the discrimination suffered by these people in different settings. The methodology explains the systematized search in scientific databases and the content analysis of the sources through open, axial, and selective coding. The development conceptualizes the stigma and prejudices related to mental illnesses, to then understand how these prejudices are manifested in the road police. Among the consequences are mentioned difficulties of social inclusion of those affected, traumatic experiences with the police, and inhibition of the agents themselves to seek help. Finally, the conclusions emphasize the need to implement comprehensive measures to transform the police organizational culture, ensuring safe and dignified interactions. In addition, some strategies are recommended, such as reforming anti-discrimination protocols, restructuring mental health training for police officers, and forming alliances with organizations for the rights of people with mental disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Young people with an Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) often face ineffective and exclusionary post-school transition practices, leading to poor mental health in early adulthood.Objective: This scoping review aimed to map existing literature on mental health for young people with IDD during the post-school transition period including how IDD and mental health are characterised in this context and the extent to which community members with lived experience are included in the design and/or production of research.Methods: In collaboration with a co-researcher, we used the JBI framework and PRISMA guidelines in accordance with a published protocol. A tiered search was conducted in PsycINFO, Medline, ERIC, Web of Science, and Family and Society Studies Worldwide.Findings: The search identified 28 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Articles were published between 2011 and 2023 and conducted across four countries. Thirteen applied a quantitative study design, eight were qualitative, three used a mixed-methods design, and the remaining were reviews. Most articles focused on autism. The majority discussed mental health in terms of its impact on transitioning from school or as a co-occurring condition.Conclusions: There is a growing body of literature highlighting the challenges young people with disabilities face when transitioning from high school. However, there is a notable gap in the representation of diverse IDD populations and mental health emerged variably, often as an incidental finding rather than a primary focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction Methods Findings Conclusions Language can reflect bias: an ‘intellectual’ disability means for many people that you cannot be an academic knowledge producer; a ‘learning’ disability means that your education will be hampered. Like language definitions, academic practices can reflect societal biases. The social (in)justice regarding knowledge and knowledge production is called epistemic injustice, and it has resulted in exclusion of nonconventional knowers, such as persons with intellectual or learning disabilities, from academia and higher education (other than as objects of research).This paper will discuss academic practices through the lens of epistemic (in)justice and look at the potential of inclusive research and educational practices therein. We will briefly describe dominant ways of knowing (e.g., abstract, verbal), and counter these practices in exploring practical, tacit, embodied and affective ways of knowing.For people with intellectual disabilities to be able to gain recognition as ‘real’ knowers within academia, we need to include diverse types of knowing and enable academic practices to be inclusive of people with intellectual disabilities. Inclusive practices can support a paradigm shift away from dominant ways of knowledge production in research and education, by centralising and correctly interpreting alternate knowledge. Experiences of scholars with intellectual disabilities appear to confirm the value of different ways of knowing.Drawing from these experiences, we will discuss the importance of relational autonomy, collectively owned and adaptive knowledge, and the learning context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teachers’ beliefs play a key role in pedagogical decision-making processes and thus in the educational practices applied in the classroom. Beliefs concerning mathematics have been a subject of research interest given their impact on teacher behaviour. However, little is known about specific teacher beliefs regarding mathematics education in students with an intellectual disability. The purpose of the present qualitative study was to explore the beliefs of 14 teachers and head of studies at eight special schools in Chile regarding mathematics education for students with an intellectual disability. Results reveal beliefs that place considerable emphasis on the functional teaching of mathematics, with a strong focus on handling money and practical activities. According to this perspective, mathematics can contribute to the development of autonomy and to occupational inclusion for people with an intellectual disability. The primary findings point to the need for formal teacher training in the discipline of mathematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Methods Findings Conclusions There is a need for more qualitative research focusing on the lived experiences of people with an intellectual disability and a better understanding of how these experiences align with other voices in their lives, such as family and support staff.In this qualitative study, we asked people with an intellectual disability (N = 87) and their support workers (N = 120) similar questions about factors contributing positively and negatively to the lives of those with an intellectual disability. We conducted a thematic analysis combining data across respondents, while also identifying areas of similarities and divergence between self‐reports and staff reports. The setting was community‐supported living schemes and group homes in the UK.Qualitative themes, representing key positive and negative factors in the lives of people with an intellectual disability, were (1) Positive impact of social relationships on well‐being, (2) positive impact of participation and roles on self‐determination and well‐being and (3) negative impacts of difficulties affecting day‐to‐day life. These three themes are all linked to a broader sense of identity, purpose and self‐determination. These were broadly consistent across self‐reports and staff reports, although there were some points of divergence, particularly in Theme 3.These findings reveal areas that are key to maximising the quality of life of people with an intellectual disability and suggest that self‐reports and proxy reports can sometimes offer unique perspectives. Our findings can be used to ensure that the priorities of people with an intellectual disability are considered in their care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent to which people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are voting is an under-researched area. In order to fill this gap, we conducted a systematic literature review with a focus on voter turnout and democratic inclusiveness among people with ID. In total, we found N = 9 studies that met our inclusion criteria, all of which were based on samples from Western countries such as Croatia, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and US. Our findings suggest that people with ID have substantially lower voter turnout than ordinary voters. Constraining factors for voting and other instances of democratic inclusion include educational limitations and physical obstacles at ballot places, as well as being under full guardianship. On the other hand, living in a household with a voter constitutes a facilitating factor. Because of the limited number of studies, we suggest that more basic quantitative and qualitative research in many countries ought to be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with an intellectual disability face inequality accessing healthcare that extends to end-of-life care. Furthermore, end-of-life care for people with an intellectual disability is more complex than that for the general population. This protocol sets out how our review will explore the available evidence and identify the key characteristics of care that are required for people with an intellectual disability to have a good end-of-life experience. A critical interpretive synthesis approach will be adopted, combining some elements of a systematic review with interpretive synthesis. This approach has been selected as it allows a diverse body of literature to be considered. Furthermore, it is compatible with theory generation allowing new insights to emerge in an iterative process. Electronic databases and grey literature sources will be searched using pre-defined search terms. Following initial title and abstract screening, eligible papers will undergo full text screening. Papers that are deemed to be 'fatally flawed' will be excluded and remaining papers appraised for relevance. Resultant papers will be included in the sampling frame from which data extraction will occur. An existing framework outlining key factors in the provision of excellent end-of-life care to people with an intellectual disability will be used to support data extraction and synthesis. Data extracted will be integrated into a synthesising argument in the form of a theoretical framework. This will identify the key characteristics in the provision of care that are required for people with an intellectual disability to have a good end-of-life experience. The developing theoretical framework will guide further selection of relevant literature to fill any conceptual gaps until saturation is reached. Our review will add to the existing body of evidence, shedding light on the key factors necessary in the provision of care to ensure that people with an intellectual disability have a good end-of-life experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Method Findings Conclusions Third‐level education is a relatively new opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities. The development of third‐level educational opportunities for this population rests on understanding their experiences and suggestions for programme development and improvement. The aim of this study is to establish how inclusive third‐level education is experienced by people with intellectual disabilities.A scoping review was conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's framework of peer‐reviewed empirical research published between 2002 and 2023 that reported on the experience of third‐level education for people with intellectual disabilities.People with intellectual disabilities are engaging in third‐level education courses within University Campuses. They consider such programmes as opportunities to meet aspirations and to enable independent living especially through employment. Their experiences are influenced by supportive staff, initiatives and challenges and they have opinions on how to improve third‐level programmes.People with intellectual disabilities value and embrace the opportunities to engage in third‐level education. Their experience is mixed with positive personal outcomes and challenges. Future research is needed to examine effective approaches to overcoming challenges and finding ways to develop programmes that meet the needs of adults with intellectual disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aim Design Method Results Conclusion Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care Impact Patient or Public Contribution To explore healthcare workers' experiences of end of life care for people with an intellectual disability.A descriptive qualitative study.Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 28 healthcare workers who cared for older people with an intellectual disability at their end of life. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and reported according to the COREQ guidelines.Three major themes emerged: not joining up the dots, living the life desired in one's last days and dealing with death and beyond.Gaps emerged in the care of the person with intellectual disability. Pain assessment and pain management were particular challenges. End of life care was not always effectively planned, and earlier intervention, including end of life conversations, were needed. More needs to be done in terms of education for healthcare workers, and especially those in the acute care setting and palliative care services who may be unfamiliar with the needs of this cohort.There is little consensus or understanding about the palliative care needs of those with intellectual disability. There are often specific challenges around providing palliative care particularly in relation to healthcare staffs' knowledge and confidence in understanding palliative care needs of this group and indeed communicating and assessing particular needs. Staff require educational preparation and training in palliative care to address the particular needs of this cohort.This study revealed that there are gaps emerging in the care of the person with intellectual disability at the end of life. Pain assessment and pain management are particular challenges that require urgent attention.There was no patient or publication contribution in this specific study, although IDS‐TILDA has a client representative and advisory committee that advise on all aspects of project design and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) collect essential data for service and system-wide quality improvement and performance monitoring toward value-based care. However, the experiences of people with intellectual disability, who have high healthcare utilization couple with poorer outcomes, are often omitted from system-wide PREMs and service-wide PREMs data. The use of PREMs instruments for data collection among people with intellectual disability has not been explored. This review aimed to identify and synthesize measurement tools and approaches that have been used to gather patient-reported experience data from people with intellectual disability. Rapid evidence assessment was used, in which comprehensive search strategies were applied to electronic databases and gray literature. Narrative synthesis was used with the included articles to address the review aim. A total of 48 documents were included; 26 peer-reviewed journal articles and 22 articles from gray literature. Patient-reported experiences have been gathered from people with intellectual disabilities in relation to specific services or encounters, predominantly using qualitative methods. To date, there is an absence of targeted service- or system-wide surveys. Existing clinic- and condition-specific instruments provide insight for broader application. Patient experience assessment among people with intellectual disability requires consideration of (1) how individuals are identified and approached, (2) the content, design and structure of measurement instruments, and (3) the process by which data are collected, and (4) how it may be applied to create change. Despite the collection of patient experience data from people with intellectual disability, there is little research available about how this information is later used to support health service improvement. Applying PREMs for quality improvement is critical to realize the improvements to healthcare provision required for people with intellectual disability toward equitable care quality. • Patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) are used to understand, benchmark, and target issues of quality improvement across health services. Despite experiencing some of the poorest healthcare quality and outcomes, PREMs are rarely used with people with intellectual disability because of the lack of suitable data collection tools and methods. • Methods are tools to elicit patient-reported experience data among people with intellectual disability are available, but no single PREMs tool has been developed that captures experiences beyond a specific condition or service. • The methods and tools available provide insight into how health services and systems might create suitable PREMs tool for people with intellectual disability toward routine data capture for benchmarking and organization- or system-wide improvement work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Workforce issues are central to the changes necessary to create safer and higher-quality services for people with intellectual disabilities. This article examines the Disability Royal Commission's (the Commission) workforce recommendations relating to the disability services sector, which has been beset by chronic workforce problems since the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We describe the rich evidence in the Commission's Final Report and its analysis of key issues such as work value, disability worker qualifications, training, and worker registration. Many of these issues are especially relevant to people with intellectual disabilities, who need sophisticated, highly skilled support provided by experienced workers, characteristics that can be scarce in a high-turnover industry with persistent labour shortages and almost no barriers to entry. However, the Commission ultimately backs away from making recommendations on the most controversial issues, including the price-setting matrix for disability support services, known as the Disability Support Worker Cost Model. Unchanged, this will continue to constrain the sector's ability to create high-quality working environments conducive to continuous learning that will support people with intellectual disabilities in the way they want to be supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers the response of the Disability Royal Commission (the Commission) to the experiences of the estimated 21,000 Australian parents with intellectual disabilities and their children. Research shows that interlocking complex social disadvantage and ableist professional attitudes toward parenting by people with intellectual disabilities persist, leading to very high rates of child protection and child removal. The approach taken by the Commission to examination of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation against parents with disabilities as a group led to the invisibility of parents with intellectual disabilities within the Final Report. The life course approach was narrowly conceived and did not fully capture reproductive justice across the life course. The issue of parenting and child protection contact was primarily considered in relation to First Nations families, which brought critical attention to some aspects of systemic violence and abuse, but issues and experiences of non-Indigenous parents with intellectual disabilities were absent. We argue that these and other flaws prevented the Commission from making important recommendations in relation to legal and policy reform to uphold the rights of people with intellectual disabilities to become parents and to receive the support they need for parenting over the life course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many people with intellectual disabilities have complex health needs that are not met by the Australian healthcare system. The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (the Commission) looked at the failings of the healthcare system and the improvements needed. Services provided by allied health professionals are one part of the healthcare system. This article describes the evidence the Commission heard about the unmet allied health needs of people with intellectual disabilities, the resulting harms caused, and the recommendations to address these. Despite identifying unmet allied health needs, the Commission heard evidence predominantly about nursing and medical care, although many of its recommendations were applied to the entire health workforce, including allied health professionals. The article reflects on the challenges of implementing the Commission's recommendations and the risk that positive change in health outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities may not be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with intellectual disabilities find it difficult to find meaningful work, to feel safe in the workplace, and to feel like they belong. In this article, two self-advocates with intellectual disabilities and two of their supporters discuss what meaningful work for people with intellectual disabilities means to them. Several recommendations from the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (the Commission)) on employment for people with disabilities are discussed. The authors also call for better working conditions, more choice in the types of employment, and equitable wages. The Australian Government needs to have a vision of employment for people with intellectual disabilities and they need to involve people with intellectual disabilities in making the changes that are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with intellectual disabilities can be abused in all settings: homes, communities, and services. Reducing this abuse requires attention be paid to people who are engaged with people with intellectual disabilities, who were largely overlooked by a neoliberal inquiry focused on individuals. Displacing neoliberalism has been further impeded by its recent combination with social media, which has engendered "cultural homogenisation": the further spread and sustenance of the same ideas. This article aims to offer a fundamental critique of the Disability Royal Commission's (the Commission) inquiry by revealing the way neoliberal ideology has shaped its recommendations; and to identify positive alternatives. Arguments: (1) Neoliberal individualism is a powerful but invisible doctrine. Its focus on choice and autonomy has generated concern to provide accessible information, irrespective of its feasibility; and concern to eliminate restrictive practices, irrespective of equally important needs of staff and parents. (2) "Datafication" intended to monitor and improve otherwise unregulated markets is expensive, ineffective, and impedes engagement. (3) The only meaningful adult life envisaged is paid work, despite a meagre and shrinking number of people with intellectual disabilities obtaining jobs. (4) The limitations of a legal inquiry are identified. (5) Alternatives to the promotion of voice, choice, and work are explored. Exhausted neoliberal ideology led the Commission astray. Rather than continuing to enact neoliberal solutions, two different initiatives that are more likely to disrupt the status quo are proposed: replacing legal intervention with public health approaches to reducing violence in all settings; and developing new "counter-publics" of fun and belonging that connect people and their consociates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk of pleading guilty to crimes of which they are partially or entirely innocent, in part due to concerns about being detained indefinitely if found unfit to plead. The Disability Royal Commission (the Commission) raised concerns about current legislation that allows for indefinite detention, due to both its unfairness by potentially increasing time served, but also its capacity to induce a person to waive their right to contest charges at trial. As a result, the Commission has recommended that the National Statement of Principles Relating to Persons Unfit to Plead Not Guilty by Reason of Cognitive or Mental Health Impairment be reviewed, and indefinite detention repealed from legislation. In addition, the Commission has recommended that access to court diversion programs be increased to reduce the number of people with intellectual disabilities involved in the criminal justice system at the pre-sentencing stage. While the Commission has outlined the reasoning behind these recommendations, it has not explicitly mentioned one of the key benefits these recommendations may also provide—that of a reduction in false guilty pleas by people with intellectual disabilities and the subsequent reduction in likelihood of wrongful conviction. Therefore, this article considers what factors influence false guilty pleas by people with intellectual disabilities, and whether the Commission's recommendations can be linked to the possible reduction of wrongful convictions via false guilty pleas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Final Report of the Disability Royal Commission (the Commission) takes a largely generic view of disability and does not fully consider the complex experiences and needs of people with intellectual disabilities and the unique ways that families can contribute to the fulfilment of their lives. The aim of this article is to fill this gap by highlighting the importance of the family context, the "informal supports" or "natural safeguards" provided by many families, and the contributions these relationships make to the safety and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. Given the significance of family relationships for this group, it is unfortunate that the Commission's recommendations pay limited attention to the considerable value family relationships add to the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, especially sibling relationships, which can last a lifetime. The Commission's recommendations provide little that contributes towards strengthening or enabling families to better support their relatives with intellectual disabilities, or that promotes recognition of the complications that can arise in these relationships and how they might be avoided. The Report often fails to recognise the potential for families of people with intellectual disabilities to keep them safe, facilitate social encounters within their local communities, and minimise challenges, such as negative attitudes, to their inclusion. I argue that the "human rights approach" alone cannot fully address the specific challenges that people with intellectual disabilities and their families face. Policies, supports, and services could provide more tailored approaches to ensure stronger relationships, greater social inclusion, and improved safety for people with intellectual disabilities and the families who support them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Disability Royal Commission (the Commission) investigated many issues, one of which was whether people with cognitive disabilities, including people with intellectual disabilities, faced systemic neglect in the Australian health system. Using a method of co-design with people with intellectual disabilities, we analysed the Commission's approach and recommendations about preventive health care. We identified how the Commission's recommendations can inform the achievement of the National Preventive Health Strategy (the Strategy) for people with intellectual disabilities. We found that a strength of the Commission's process was the multiple ways it inquired about the experience of accessing preventive health care. However, the inclusiveness of the invitations to participate in the Commission's work and the location of the public hearings were limitations for key stakeholders. Our analysis also noted that the Commission's public hearings focused on the supply side of healthcare access (health services) compared to the demand side of access (health users). This was a missed opportunity to learn from health users about their experiences. Two challenges to the implementation of the recommendations include the focus on cognitive disability instead of intellectual disability, and the focus on health care in general, rather than specifically on preventive health care. We also found that the Commission's recommendations mainly relate to the leadership, governance and funding elements in the Strategy, with a few actions relevant to prevention, partnerships, information, research, surveillance and preparedness. It is important that all the elements required to mobilise prevention systems are considered and actioned to achieve the Strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical professionals commonly report having inadequate training providing care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This pilot study aimed to address this gap through a virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) with individuals with IDD as patient educators for 25 first- and second-year medical students (OSCE participants). Quantitative data through the Prediger competency scale and qualitative data through a semistructured interview were analyzed. OSCE participants reported a significant increase (p < 0.05) in self-perceived competency scores when comparing pre- and post-OSCE scores. Qualitative analysis yielded themes corresponding to improving skills, practice considerations, and perspectives and biases changes. These results suggested that this virtual OSCE promoted the development of self-perceived clinical competency and comfort providing care for individuals with IDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D measurements and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans are recommended in people with intellectual disability and/or epilepsy in order to prevent bone-linked harm. The prevalence of vitamin D supplementation and bone mineral density screening were evaluated in 68 people with epilepsy and intellectual disability (EID) and 68 matched controls with epilepsy without intellectual disability. DXA scans were not performed in any of the people with EID but were performed in 11.8% of the people in the control group. People with EID had a higher vitamin D supplementation rate and were treated with more antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and more AED combinations, including first generation AEDs. Increased awareness of bone health screening in people with epilepsy and especially EID is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Providing care and support for a person with intellectual disabilities can be challenging and may negatively impact on family carers' health and wellbeing. A online support programme was co-designed with charitable organisations and family carers, to help meet the mental health and wellbeing needs of family carers. Objective: To test the acceptability of a newly developed online support programme for carers of people with profound and multiple intellectual disabilities. Methods: A sequential mixed-methods explanatory design was utilised. An adapted version of the Acceptability of Health Apps among Adolescents Scale was distributed to family carers across the United Kingdom and Ireland who had viewed the Carers-ID.com intervention. Participants were then invited to take part in an online interview. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed separately and then brought together through the triangulation protocol. Results: Seventy family carers (47 female, 23 male) responded to the acceptability survey, with 10 (7 female, 3 male) taking part in interviews. Carers expressed high levels of programme acceptability (mean = 75.43 out of 88). Six themes were generated from interviews with family carers; i) time is precious, ii) the breadth and depth of module content, iii) it was somebody's experience; it was meaningful, iv) won't work for everyone, v) representation: people I could identify with, and vi) module specific suggestions for future changes. Based on our triangulation, four areas of convergence were identified: programme usability and ease, attitudes towards the programme, perceptions of effectiveness, and programme relatability. Conclusions: To be acceptable, online interventions for carers of people with intellectual disability need to be accessible, understandable and easy to use, as carers' free time can be limited. It would be important to investigate the effectiveness of online interventions for family carers, specifically considering which carers the intervention works for, and for whom it may not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractContextPurposeMethods and resultsConclusion and implications\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONContemporary technologies, such as mainstream and specialised Assistive Technologies (ATs), are seen as effective. However, there is a noticeable gap between technological progress and the ability to customise these technologies to meet the unique needs and characteristics of neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the Autism Spectrum and people with Intellectual Disability (pwID).The goal of this study is to investigate the present requirements and future priorities acknowledged by specialists in the field regarding the progress of social inclusion for this population, making use of ATs.A qualitative survey involving 24 international experts, and its respective thematic analysis reveals challenges in social inclusion, emphasizing communication and physical accessibility, awareness gaps, and stigma. Concurrently, issues surrounding ATs include limited access, insufficient training, and a lack of awareness and skills, with individuals, and families being inadequately involved.The study proposes strategies for overcoming these challenges, with a focus on accessibility, awareness, skills, family involvement, and customization. Identified research needs encompass scientific development, inclusive approaches, and changes in technological development paradigms.Customization and Accessibility of Assistive Technologies (ATs): The research emphasizes the critical gap between existing ATs and their alignment with the needs of people with Intellectual Disability (pwID) and those on the autism spectrum. This is crucial for rehabilitation since its effectiveness is based on the consideration of individual requirements. In this sense, the present study involves enhancing the adaptability of technologies to support varied communication styles and learning abilities, thereby promoting greater independence and participation in daily activities, also through rehabilitation.Policy and Infrastructure Development: In an innovative manner, the study points out the systemic challenges, including inadequate policies and lack of support infrastructure, that hinder the effective use of ATs. For rehabilitation practices to be impactful, there is a need for policy reform and infrastructure development that prioritizes the provision and integration of ATs into education, employment, and community living. This includes ensuring funding for AT acquisition, creating inclusive educational and work environments, and improving public spaces to accommodate the needs of pwID and on the autism spectrum.Involvement of Individuals and Families in the AT Development Process: The paper highlights the limited involvement of individuals with ID and on the autism spectrum, and their families, in the process of developing and selecting ATs. Therefore, an important implication for rehabilitation is the need to adopt a person-centred approach that actively involves these individuals and their families in decision-making processes and, whenever possible, in co-creation processes. This approach ensures that AT solutions are better suited to the users’ preferences, challenges, and daily life contexts, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of technological aids in supporting social inclusion and autonomy.Adoption of Qualitative, In-Depth Methods in AT Research: The adoption of qualitative research methods in disability and health research significantly contributes to the development of human-centred, context-driven, and personalized technologies and rehabilitation strategies.Customization and Accessibility of Assistive Technologies (ATs): The research emphasizes the critical gap between existing ATs and their alignment with the needs of people with Intellectual Disability (pwID) and those on the autism spectrum. This is crucial for rehabilitation since its effectiveness is based on the consideration of individual requirements. In this sense, the present study involves enhancing the adaptability of technologies to support varied communication styles and learning abilities, thereby promoting greater independence and participation in daily activities, also through rehabilitation.Policy and Infrastructure Development: In an innovative manner, the study points out the systemic challenges, including inadequate policies and lack of support infrastructure, that hinder the effective use of ATs. For rehabilitation practices to be impactful, there is a need for policy reform and infrastructure development that prioritizes the provision and integration of ATs into education, employment, and community living. This includes ensuring funding for AT acquisition, creating inclusive educational and work environments, and improving public spaces to accommodate the needs of pwID and on the autism spectrum.Involvement of Individuals and Families in the AT Development Process: The paper highlights the limited involvement of individuals with ID and on the autism spectrum, and their families, in the process of developing and selecting ATs. Therefore, an important implication for rehabilitation is the need to adopt a person-centred approach that actively involves these individuals and their families in decision-making processes and, whenever possible, in co-creation processes. This approach ensures that AT solutions are better suited to the users’ preferences, challenges, and daily life contexts, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of technological aids in supporting social inclusion and autonomy.Adoption of Qualitative, In-Depth Methods in AT Research: The adoption of qualitative research methods in disability and health research significantly contributes to the development of human-centred, context-driven, and personalized technologies and rehabilitation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aim Design Methods Results Conclusion Impact Reporting Method Patient or Public Contribution To explore the factors influencing the implementation of reasonable adjustments in hospitals for people with intellectual disability: using a realist lens.A qualitative study using a realist lens.Data collection involved one focus group interview and three semi‐structured interviews with healthcare professionals working in hospital or community settings in September 2023. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis and findings were mapped to the Context and Implementation of Complex Interventions (CICI) framework across the dimension's context, implementation and setting.Healthcare professionals support the provision of reasonable adjustments in acute hospitals as a person‐centred approach to caring for people with intellectual disability. While reasonable adjustments are evident in practice, they are mostly individual‐level cases with little evidence of strategic system‐level implementation. The factors influencing the implementation of reasonable adjustments in practice were conceptualised using the CICI framework. Context factors spanned the domains of epidemiological (e.g., ageing population), socio‐cultural (e.g., historical healthcare), political (e.g., lack of integrated care pathways) and ethical (e.g., provision of person‐centred care). Implementation factors spanned the domains of strategies (e.g., leadership strategies), agents (e.g., liaison and advocacy roles) and outcomes (e.g., individual‐level reasonable adjustments). The setting for the complex intervention was the acute hospital. System‐level indicators for successful implementation include intellectual disability specific policies/procedures for integrated care pathways, education and awareness training for hospital staff, and leadership strategies such as the development of liaison nursing roles and the appropriate allocation of physical and human resources.A radical change is needed where implementation of reasonable adjustments in acute hospitals are broadened beyond isolated individual‐level cases to system‐level healthcare. This research highlights the importance of exploring the integrated dimensions of context, implementation and setting in complex interventions such as reasonable adjustments and sets foundation for further implementation research in this area.Reasonable adjustments at the system‐level within acute hospitals would promote person‐centred care and help address the inequities and health disparities experienced by people with intellectual disability. This research uses a realist lens to explore the factors influencing the implementation of reasonable adjustments in acute hospitals for people with intellectual disability. The factors influencing the implementation of reasonable adjustments in practice were conceptualised using the CICI framework across the dimensions of context (domains epidemiological, socio‐cultural, political and ethical), implementation (domains strategies, agents and outcomes) and setting. System‐level indicators for successful implementation include intellectual disability specific policies/procedures for integrated care pathways, education and awareness training for hospital staff, and leadership strategies such as the development of liaison nursing roles and the appropriate allocation of physical and human resources. This research highlights the importance of exploring the integrated dimensions of context, implementation and setting of complex interventions such as reasonable adjustments and sets a foundation for further implementation research in this area.This research adhered to the Equator research reporting guideline: standards for reporting qualitative research.A parent of a child with intellectual disability was involved in the conduct of this research, specifically in the design, data collection and preparation of the manuscript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nPoints of interestThe online learning resource ‘Every Moment has Potential’ (2015) aimed to teach direct support professionals about the values underlying active support, especially choice and control. This is unsurprising: these values anchor disability rights activism and policies. However, accompanying videos meant to illustrate choice and control offer a more nuanced story. My qualitative analysis brings in Lori Marso’s concept of freedom in the encounter to theorize four kinds of encounters in active support relationships: encounters that treat people as people; encounters that encourage surprise and spontaneity; encounters of mutual and safe touch; and challenging encounters. I aim to question critically the explicit values alongside the practices of active support. Plus, by using online YouTube videos as analysis, I hope to encourage more creative ways to include people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities in academic work, especially theoretical and philosophical work about intellectual disability.Support workers help people do things, like cook, clean, shop, and have fun.Some people say that support workers should help people with disabilities make choices.I watched videos that showed support workers helping people with intellectual disabilities to see if this was true.Helping people make choices is good, but good support workers help in other ways, too.Good support workers treat people with intellectual disabilities like people. They help people with intellectual disabilities have fun. They try new things together. And support workers and people with intellectual disabilities can use physical touch with each other in good and safe ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Methods Findings Conclusions Individuals with intellectual disabilities often require various supports in their everyday lives. Many access both acute and intellectual disability services depending on their needs. Previous research has highlighted suboptimal experiences of care provided in acute services. Joint working between both services has been recognised as a measure of improving healthcare for this group. Although there is some evidence regarding this issue from the perspective of acute service providers, further research is required to understand the perspective of intellectual disability service providers.Ten nurses working in various roles in intellectual disability services across Ireland took part in semistructured interviews. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.Issues with inter‐service communication and insufficient policies, protocols and pathways were found to negatively impact joint working. Acute services seemed to have a limited understanding of the role and capacity of intellectual disability services. Acute services do not always identify the individual needs of the people in their care. Despite this, there were examples of joint working taking place that benefited those with intellectual disabilities.Joint working needs to include improving communication between both services, co‐developing policies, protocols and pathways and appointing acute care liaison nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Methods Findings Conclusions Initiating meaningful moments of interaction with people with profound intellectual disabilities can prove to be difficult for support staff. Exploring the behaviour of support staff that precedes the initiations of behaviour by people with profound intellectual disabilities helps to shed light upon the potential facilitating effects of staff behaviour.Three meaningful moments of interaction between support staff and people with profound intellectual disabilities that were recorded were then microanalytically coded, along with the initial onset of these moments. Each behaviour initiated by people with profound intellectual disabilities was examined to see what specific behaviour by the support staff began precedingly.The most frequently displayed ‘staff–client’ behavioural sequences were ‘looking’, ‘moving with head’, ‘moving with arms’ or ‘vocalisation’ of support staff followed by the person with profound intellectual disabilities ‘moving with head’, the staff member ‘moving with arms’ followed by the person with profound intellectual disabilities ‘moving with arms’ and the staff member ‘touching’ followed by the person with profound intellectual disabilities ‘vocalising’. These behavioural sequences occurred less frequently during meaningful moments of interaction in comparison to their onset.It is important that support staff are cognisant of all the (subtle) behavioural changes in people with profound intellectual disabilities (especially movements with their head) to discern potential behavioural responses. Moreover, they should be cognisant of their own behaviour, insofar as the conscious use of behaviour may facilitate the development of meaningful interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexuality is integral to the human experience. Yet choices related to sexuality--sex, intimate relationships, marriage, pleasure, and childbearing--are often controlled for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Discourse on sexuality primarily focuses on acts of sexual violence against this community, emphasizing a victim-perpetrator binary. This binary view directs legal and policy efforts to ameliorate this sexual violence, emphasizing victimhood and protectionism. But individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities--like members of the broader population--desire to experience love and intimacy; engage in sexual pleasure and self-expression; and exercise choices around sexuality and reproduction. Legal scholarship has undertheorized how state systems that are central in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities normalize the subjugation of sexual and reproductive choices. This Article fills this void by applying a new structural desexualization of disability framework to identify the ways that legal structures and social norms act in concert to harm people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in matters of sexuality. This Article examines three disability systems through this new framework: guardianship, special education, and the Home- and Community-Based Services Waiver program. This is the first legal Article to situate the structural desexualization of disability as a constitutive element in perpetuating sexual violence against people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This Article aims to encourage discourse, advocacy, policymaking, and organizing around issues that affect sexuality by reframing the victim-perpetrator binary. It further seeks to reposition sexuality as a community integration priority under the Americans with Disabilities Act. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: For in-person psychotherapy, psychotherapists make individual adaptions to meet clients' disability-related needs, for example, by providing plain or sign language. Such adaptations apply to different types of psychotherapy (e.g. psychodynamic, systemic, or cognitive-behavioral). Digital interventions, such as video psychotherapy or internet interventions, allow more flexibility in terms of design, individual preferences, and integration of text, video, or audio. Methods: This clinical perspective explores issues associated with the delivery of psychotherapy using traditional in-person sessions vs digital interventions utilizing literature related to the topic. The evidence is synthesized to build an argument of the relative merits and challenges of either approach to the psychotherapeutic encounter of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Results: For cognitive disabilities, the needs for in-person and digital psychotherapy interventions were comparable and focused on simple/plain language, reducing session complexity, and linear therapy structure. For motor, hearing, and visual impairments, the needs differed between the two forms of psychotherapy. Conclusion: Involving the target group in design and testing of digital interventions was considered critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Social knowledge is an important aspect of social cognition that pertains to broader knowledge of social concepts and norms. People with intellectual disabilities are more likely to experience mental health challenges, and it's important to pay special attention to how comorbid conditions can affect their social cognition skills, potentially weakening these skills. Consequently, the present study seeks to compare social knowledge between two groups of adults in Bosnia and Herzegovina: those with intellectual disabilities and those diagnosed with a dual diagnosis encompassing intellectual disability and psychiatric conditions. An additional goal was to identify the factors contributing to social knowledge in these groups. Methods: The study sample included 62 adults with mild intellectual disability, divided into two groups based on their comorbid psychiatric condition. We used a demographic questionnaire, Raven's Progressive Matrices, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT), MINI PAS – ADD scale, and The Social Knowledge Test to assess social knowledge and intellectual functioning. We compared the social knowledge scores between the two groups and identified the predictors of social knowledge in each group. Results: The results indicated that adult participants with dual diagnoses had lower social knowledge scores than those with intellectual disabilities only, even after controlling for intellectual functioning and verbal abilities. The predictors of social knowledge differed between the two groups, with age being the only statistically significant predictor in both groups. In individuals with intellectual disabilities, age and the presence of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms were important predictors of social knowledge, while in the group of participants with dual diagnoses, age and PPVT were significant predictors of social knowledge. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of social knowledge in individuals with intellectual disabilities and dual diagnoses. The findings suggest that individuals with dual diagnoses may have a specific deficit in social knowledge that is not fully explained by their intellectual functioning or verbal abilities. Clinicians and educators should focus on identifying and addressing social knowledge deficits in individuals with dual diagnoses to improve their overall social functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

History shows alarming shifts in the way that people with intellectual disabilities have been regarded. Locke doubted whether they could be counted among the human while Rousseau hailed them as unspoiled children who could help us be better; the eugenicists despised them as perpetuating "feeble-mindedness" while the religious praised them as holy innocents. Throughout however they have been seen metaphorically as symbolic figures who incite hatred or inspire wonder but rarely as real people. This article written by the father of a young man with severe disabilities rejects such thinking. The author explains how intellectual disabilities work as a Brechtian "alienation effect" and challenge our core system of values and explores how they make us reconsider much of what we take for granted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses an inclusive research program where colleagues and co-researchers (with intellectual disability) guide and inform future research practice to ensure research is targeted to areas of significance and relevance to them. The research program is about sites of former disability institutions. Many people with intellectual disability in Australia were segregated and forced to live in disability institutions until deinstitutionalisation efforts became mainstream in the late 20th Century. We are a team of four people based in New South Wales, Australia. Our team includes disability advocates and researchers who have contributed to a program of research exploring connections between sites of former disability institutions and contemporary disability rights. In this article, we reflect on conversations about our research undertaken so far and where the research goes from here. We explore five pillars of action informing how research relating to disability institutions can progress: 1. Current use: research exploring erasure of experiences of institutionalisation communicated through educational resources and maps about current use of sites of former disability institutions; 2. Reparative planning processes: research developing frameworks for alternative approaches to planning and heritage processes supporting alternative uses of former sites of disability institutions; 3. Official recognition and redress: research exploring perspectives on governments formally recognising and remedying experiences of people with disability who were institutionalised; 4. Community-led repair and remembrance: research identifying practices for both celebrating advocates with disability and reckoning with and repairing familial and social bonds broken through institutionalisation; 5. Community-inclusive practices: research exploring endurance of institutional practices in disability accommodation in community settings. These five pillars are underpinned by three foundational layers: advancing disability human rights; reckoning with intersections between disability institutions and settler colonialism, other dynamics of oppression, and eugenics; and using inclusive practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Response to the Roundtable on Loving Our Own Bones: Disability Wisdom and the Spiritual Subversiveness of Knowing Ourselves Whole" published in the Journal of Disability & Religion discusses the importance of access in academic spaces for scholars with disabilities. The author, Julia Watts Belser, highlights the need for solidarity and support in navigating access barriers. The article also delves into the concept of disability wisdom, emphasizing the ethical insights and expertise that disabled individuals develop through their lived experiences. Belser's work challenges cultural narratives around disability, advocating for a nuanced understanding of disability as a complex and diverse aspect of human experience. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: Japan has a system of occupational therapy programs known as self-reliance training (training for daily living), which helps people with various disabilities lead more meaningful lives. Recently, it has been shown that green care farms are beneficial for dementia care and that agricultural and horticultural work has a positive impact on people with intellectual disabilities and mental disorders. This study examined the health-improving effects of farm activities and developed an attractive program for adolescents with developmental and intellectual disabilities who use independent training facilities. The program comprised agricultural and horticultural activities such as vegetable cultivation and management, flower planting, and flower arrangement. Results: No significant differences were observed in any of the measures for positive mood before and after the usual program (UP). However, anger-hostility and depression-dejection improved significantly after the farm program (FP) (p <.05). Self-efficacy improved significantly after both UP and FP (p <.10). Free responses were obtained from UP (131 responses) and FP (126 responses) participants; thematic analysis of FP participants' statements revealed that positive comments included "confidence in accomplishing tasks," "anticipation and joy of growing plants," and "motivation for gardening activities." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violence prevention approaches using social-ecological models inform interventions for people with intellectual disability, who often face barriers to accessing generalist courses. This study explores the experiences of healthcare professionals leading a prevention course specifically designed for adults with intellectual disability. Through semistructured interviews, 12 Norwegian course leaders highlighted the importance of raising awareness and comprehension about rights, and the social and individual factors influencing experiences of violence and its prevention. Challenges were encountered in tailoring the course to the diverse lived experiences of participants with disabilities and addressing ongoing support needs for their safety. The study suggests that adopting a pedagogical or didactic model could serve as a foundation to enhance the planning and delivery of the course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Method:Results:Conclusions:Support from staff plays an important role in quality of life for people with intellectual disability. This study focuses on service users' views of Active Support as good support and whether Active Support increases the quality of everyday support in group homes.Nine service users were interviewed at baseline and at follow-up one year after staff received Active Support training. Thematic analyses were used to develop themes.Three main themes were created: (1) Home is more than just a place, it is a feeling; (2) Good care is caring with accessible communication; and (3) Time is precious. Participants were more satisfied with most of the support at follow-up, particularly choice-making, control in everyday life, relationships, and emotional support.Active Support corresponds well with service users’ perceptions of good support. In future studies of Active Support service users' voices should be a part of the follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nPoints of interestInterest in the mental health landscape of young people is widespread. This paper focuses in on the emotional wellbeing of students with profound intellectual disabilities and those who work with them in special schools. A relational reading of the situation illustrates some relationships between the two and vulnerabilities of both. The authors engage with theory: the double (and triple) empathy problem and empathy more widely, and with the concepts of affect attunement, holding and ethics of care. They interweave brief reflections on their own experiences working and researching in special schools and argue that these relationally constituted spaces present challenges for the emotional wellbeing of students and staff. The paper concludes by calling for recognition of the emotional labour involved in interacting across different ways of being and of knowing the world and for greater attention to empathising in embodied, perceptual ways to aid mutual understanding and support wellbeing.Emotional wellbeing means feeling good more than feeling bad. Having good emotional wellbeing is important for staying healthy and coping. This makes it a public health priority.Young people with intellectual and multiple disabilities have worse wellbeing and mental health than others their age. There has been little research or talk about the emotional wellbeing of people with profound intellectual disabilities.Students with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities and their special school staff experience challenges understanding each other. This can be emotionally draining on both sides.Pressures on school staff make it harder from them to support these students in the best ways. The paper shows why it is important to address the wellbeing of students and staff together as they are interconnected.Emotional wellbeing means feeling good more than feeling bad. Having good emotional wellbeing is important for staying healthy and coping. This makes it a public health priority.Young people with intellectual and multiple disabilities have worse wellbeing and mental health than others their age. There has been little research or talk about the emotional wellbeing of people with profound intellectual disabilities.Students with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities and their special school staff experience challenges understanding each other. This can be emotionally draining on both sides.Pressures on school staff make it harder from them to support these students in the best ways. The paper shows why it is important to address the wellbeing of students and staff together as they are interconnected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMethodResultsConclusionA peer-led self-advocacy group, Our Voice SA, is used as a case study to explore how the social engagement of people with intellectual disability contributed to their self-advocacy about things that are important to them.Secondary analyses of data (interviews, observations and program data) were thematically analysed using Clifford Simplican’s analytical lens of “freedom through encounter”.Social engagement encounters in peer-led self-advocacy led to individual and group agency for freedom. The findings explore becoming known, seen, and heard; freedom to express what matters; and unfreedom: silencing self-advocacy.A “freedom through encounter” lens is a useful perspective on how people navigate social inclusion to participate and challenge expectations. Allies were critical for overcoming structural, interdependent barriers, and supporting capacity for leadership and rights awareness that helped elevate the confidence and skills of people with intellectual disability to speak up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Relationships and sexuality education (RSE) programmes are widely taught in schools, however for children and young people with intellectual disabilities, these programmes appear to be limited regarding information on relationships, informed choices and decision making. The purpose of this study was to seek the views and understanding of children and young people with intellectual disabilities, and those involved in their care and education, to identify best practice and approaches to the delivery on relationships and sexuality education. Methods: This study used a qualitative design with 37 pupils from five special schools from across the United Kingdom (UK) participating. In-depth semi-structured interviews were held online, or in person. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were anonymised, assigned a pseudonym and subjected to inductive thematic analysis. Findings: Four themes emerged from the data: (i) enthusiasm and inquisitiveness to acquire knowledge; (ii) dynamics of positive friendships; (iii) experiences and understanding of supportive relationships and sexuality; and (iv) valuing the exchange of knowledge and information. The findings highlight that children and young people with intellectual disabilities want education, support and information on matters relating to their relationships and sexuality. Conclusions: This is the largest study to date providing a voice to children and young people with intellectual disabilities regarding their relationships and sexuality. While special schools provide relationships and sexuality education, there is a requirement for a programme and resources specific to the needs of pupils with intellectual disabilities to be developed and evaluated. Such education should continue beyond school and be embedded in adult services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]