Sequential stereopsis using high-pass spatial frequency filtered textures

Enright [(1995). Perception, 24 (suppl.), 32–33; (1996). Vision Research, 36, 307–312] described a simple piece of equipment for demonstrating a perceptual mechanism he called sequential stereopsis. The equipment requires an observer to set two textured targets seen behind a pair of small viewing ports to appear equi-distant. The principle upon which the apparatus depends is the use of textures whose elements cannot be resolved in peripheral vision at the eccentricity determined by the target separation. Enright used a fine sandpaper for this purpose. We have conducted two similar experiments using high bandpass filtered textures which eliminate any possibility that the low spatial frequency content of sandpaper textures could play a role. Our results corroborate Enright's general conclusions on sequential stereopsis, while at the same time showing that high-pass textures do not give wholly similar results to sandpaper

The meaning of being a parent : Fathers' and mothers' day-to-day lived expeiences of caring for and living with their learning disabled child: A phenomenological inquiry

EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

User involvement in service integration and carers' views of co-locating children's services

Purpose: There has been considerable discussion about the benefits of health and social care integration over the last decade but less research on the purpose and effectiveness of carer and user involvement in service changes and service evaluation. The paper aims to report the findings of a study of two learning disabilities services in Wales that undertook co-location in a children development centre. Design/methodology/approach: The study investigated whether carers of children with learning disabilities had any knowledge of organisational changes that occurred as a result of co-locating services. The study used a mixed method approach. The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with all parental representatives on the service planning groups and then asked local staff to facilitate a survey to parents of children with learning disabilities in their area. Findings: Carers in both locations were mainly unaware of any changes, unless they were personally involved in service changes through advocacy or parental support groups. Carer responses mainly reflected national debates, such as service cuts, rather than the local context. Whilst there was significant support for co-location in general, parental views differed considerably on the merits of service changes depending on the needs of their own child. Originality/value: These results caution against assuming a simple pathway from parental views of local services to defining service needs to plan new services. The authors argue that parents lack sufficient knowledge of organisational changes to make an informed decision on whether these changes would bring about service improvements. Implications for research and professional practice are spelled out

A tokenistic exercise? User involvement in service planning

In recent years, policy makers have been increasing service user involvement in service planning, normally via consultation processes. However, the scope of these consultations varies greatly. This study investigated the views of two parents of children with learning disabilities who had been involved in steering groups designed to plan new services. Two themes were highlighted: the parents felt unable to comment on the details of the services due to a lack of understanding of the terminology used; and the link between user consultation and service planning was unclear. The article concludes that more research is required in order to understand how to effectively include service users in service planning