Effective communication with the physically impaired.

Abstract

The London Borough of Merton seeks to establish a constant dialogue with its physically impaired residents, especially its younger adults. This project, conducted for the adult division of the Housing and Social Services Department, examined the opinions of registered physically impaired individuals between the ages of fourteen and fifty-five. Data were primarily collected by a mail survey, which was followed up by telephone conversations with volunteer respondents. Case studies and interviews with Merton Council personnel and voluntary organisations supplied additional information regarding the current situation in the borough. Evolving technology will enhance communication; therefore, we investigated different ways to address communication gaps, for example by making computers more widely available. The findings of this study addressed several communication gaps and offered recommendations for possible solutions in four categories: information distribution, communication with voluntary organisations, technology, and follow-up studies