‘Now that I am connected this isn't social isolation, this is engaging with people’: Staying connected during the COVID‐19 pandemic

BackgroundThe COVID-19 global pandemic has put adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities at greater risk of being socially excluded due to physical distancing. Technology has been looked at as a tool for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities to stay connected, however, little is known about this topic. The purpose of this study was to explore how a grassroots disability organisation used technology to help adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities feel socially connected during the pandemic.MethodsData were collected through questionnaires, attendance records, and field notes; and analysed through trend and thematic analysis.FindingsFour main themes emerged from the data: active leadership, mental wellbeing, technology/digital inclusion, and safety.ConclusionThese findings suggest that when participants overcome technological barriers they found it easy to socially connect online during lockdown

Learning disabilities, the third sector and relationships [Podcast] EP53

The third sector plays a vital role in supporting people with learning disabilities in Scotland. In this episode, we explore the impact of a charitable organisation based in Edinburgh and the Lothians, called get2gether. As well as discussing the role of the third sector, we hear about the work that get2gether does and the wider issues it addresses: social isolation, relationships and sexual health for people with learning disabilities. Timestamps (01:32) What is get2gether? (03:49) What members have learned at get2gether and why this matters. (11:35) Sex education for people with learning disabilities. (16:42) Why people with learning disabilities often have low expectations of relationships. (22:32) The barriers to making progress. (24:13) Relationships and The Keys to Life. (28:32) What policy changes do get2gether ambassadors want to see