1. What about Us? Promoting Emotional Well-Being and Inclusion by Working with Young People with Learning Difficulties in Schools and Colleges
- Author
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Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, Byers, Richard, Davies, Jill, Fergusson, Ann, and Marvin, Claire
- Abstract
"What about us?" was a participative action research project promoting the emotional well-being of young people with learning difficulties in inclusive secondary schools and colleges. The project began by reviewing the impact of inclusion on the emotional well-being and personal and social development of young people with learning difficulties. The project went on to develop strategies for overcoming barriers to inclusion suggested by young people themselves and explored through action research processes led by the young people. The action research and development phase of the project was conducted in clusters of case study sites in three contrasting geographical locations in England. Young people with learning difficulties were involved as partners in the research through processes that were facilitated by the research team and staff in the participating schools and colleges. The young people who took part in the project derived clear and direct benefits from their involvement. The project's findings and recommendations have implications, in terms of enhanced opportunities for educational and social inclusion, improved quality of life and more effective education for personal and social development, for a wider group of young people, including those with learning difficulties, disabilities and/or special educational needs. Background to the project, participating organizations, project methods, project findings, and conclusions and implications for policy and practice are presented. Four appendices are included: (1) Membership of the "What about us?" Reference Group and Advisory Committee; (2) Criteria for the selection of the "What about us?" case study sites; (3) The "What about us?" code of conduct; and (4) An introduction to person-centred planning. [Funding for this project was provided by the Big Lottery Fund.]
- Published
- 2008