How does risk mediate the ability of adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live a normal life by using the Internet?

The focus of this position paper is Internet use by adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Drawing on existing literature in the field we will identify problems with and gaps in the current research. Our review is framed by three main questions: What constitutes a ‘normal’ life for adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities? What constitutes ‘normal’ use of the Internet for adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities? How does risk mediate the ability of adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live a normal life by using the Internet? The key focus of this review is the complex relationship between adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those providing support; how they negotiate access to and use of the Internet and how perceptions regarding risk and normalcy mediate this negotiation. As a result of this review will argue that identified gaps and problems in the research field need to be addressed by expanding both methodological and conceptual approaches. In particular we will propose the need for more in-depth qualitative research that is inclusive in nature. We will also propose that an adapted positive risk-taking framework might be useful in framing the design, implementation and analysis of future research

‘Blocked at every level’: criminal justice system professionals’ experiences of including people with intellectual disabilities within a targeted magistrates’ court

This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Emerald in Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour on 28/03/2020, available online: https://doi.org/10.1108/JIDOB-07-2019-0014 The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.Purpose: Mental health courts (MHCs) may enable better support for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) within the criminal justice system (CJS) but little evaluative empirical evidence is available regarding their operation. This study explores professional perceptions of the challenges of including people with ID in a Targeted Services Court (TSC) designed for people with mental health issues and ID. Methodology: Information was gathered, via interviews and focus groups, from 46 professionals working with people with mental health issues and ID within the TSC. Data were analysed using thematic network analysis. Findings: Findings highlight the neglect and lack of inclusion of people with ID within the TSC processes, with challenges in identifying people with ID, stakeholder awareness, inconsistent adapting of practices for people with ID and information transfer underpinned by the involvement of numerous organisations with differing agendas. Implications: Although valued, development of a TSC including people with ID was a challenging endeavour and may reflect societal and institutional neglect of people with ID, recommendations are provided. Originality: This study adds to the few investigations have considered the process of including people with ID in a TSC from the perspective of those working in the criminal justice system

Some expectations and perceptions of electronic transfer of prescription systems

This article summarises the findings of five focus group sessions discussing the Electronic Transfer of Prescriptions (ETP), held in 2003 at Salford and Huddersfield Universities. The aim of this evaluation was to ascertain the views of the stakeholders towards the introduction of ETP and views on existing ETP pilot models. The eight hypotheses identified as most important from the findings [1] are described

Interactional power and support in digital inclusion of an adult with intellectual disabilities:A case study analysis

Digital inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities is not commensurate with those without disabilities. Societal, political, financial, individual and interpersonal barriers help explain this disparity. Caregivers can act as both support and gatekeeper to internet access and use by adults with intellectual disabilities. This study investigated micro-level interpersonal factors influencing access and use of the internet by an adult with intellectual disabilities to explore the balance and interplay of power and support around the processes of digital inclusion and online risk taking. Taking a case study approach, perspectives of three key stakeholders were gathered via interviews: the person with intellectual disabilities, his mother and a paid support worker. Perspectives and experiences were contrasted using systemic functional linguistic analysis of discourse to explore the ways power and support were represented in the language of negotiated digital inclusion. Dynamics between the parent and person with intellectual disabilities and between the parent and paid staff clearly influenced processes of digital inclusion and were affected by varying priorities, positions and perceptions of power to allow, disallow and monitor access and use of the internet. These had the power to shape and drive internet access. Language choices by the person with intellectual disabilities showed that he was not fully aware of the risks involved in engaging with certain aspects of digital inclusion but how he spoke about the internet indicated some autonomy in technology use. Supporting the development of digital competence, confidence and resilience in people with learning disabilities should be combined with support to increase self-awareness regarding digital risk. Those supporting people with intellectual disabilities towards digital inclusion need additional guidance on how to do this effectively for the people they support.</p

Online risk for people with intellectual disabilities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to summarise the current state of empirical knowledge pertaining to online risk and cybercrime relating to people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Design/methodology/approach This narrative review summarises, synthesises and critically evaluates the current literature and state of knowledge and offers suggestions for extending current knowledge and practice. Findings Evidence regarding risk for people with ID is limited but growing. Existing findings highlight that: risk may increase contingent upon higher levels of sociability, loneliness, anxiety and depression, poorer insight, judgement, discrimination and ability to detect deception online and reduced experience and life opportunities; people without ID perceive high online risk for people with ID, which may lead to gatekeeping restrictions and controlling digital access; restriction may potentially impede online self-determination, participation and development by people with ID; and experience of risk may enhance awareness, independence and resilience in managing future online risk amongst people with ID. Further research work is needed in this area to enhance understanding of risk experience and effective support strategies. Originality/value This review of current knowledge has highlighted the necessity for more research to better understand the propensity for engagement in different risky online behaviours and to better inform support practices to help people with ID to manage risk whilst maintaining digital inclusion

Dysphagia Management for People with Intellectual Disabilities: Practitioner Identified Processes, Barriers and Solutions

Background: Dysphagia is a significant problem for adults with intellectual disabilities which has received sparse attention in the research literature. Little is currently documented about how dysphagia management operates and the barriers and associated strategies to address barriers utilised in practice. Method: A brief survey containing open ended questions was completed by 38 practitioners about the way their service operates, the barriers they have faced in providing support around managing dysphagia and the solutions and strategies they have found useful. Results & Conclusions: The process of dysphagia management typically involved referral and assessment, development of an intervention strategy, communication and negotiation, education and training in safe dysphagia management and monitoring, evaluation and re-assessment. Barriers were numerous but stakeholder beliefs, knowledge and feelings underpinned many of them. Solutions varied but similarly were underpinned by good communication, building relationships, person centred practice and responsivity, pragmatism and innovation in training and disseminating dysphagia management informatio

Involving People With Intellectual Disabilities Within Research Teams: Lessons Learned from an Irish Experience

A growing body of literature has shed light into the process of conducting research with people with intellectual disabilities (ID). However, there is limited research on the feasibility of conducting research projects including various groups of people with ID, their supporters, and researchers. This paper reviews three studies conducted with these three groups of people in light of their feasibility, the knowledge generated, and their impact on individual and social change. This study used a reflective analysis focused on the main findings from the three studies, focus groups with people with ID and supporters who conducted the research, and interviews with people to whom the findings were disseminated. The analysis suggested that a team approach including active supporters and experienced researchers was critical to their feasibility. The studies generated knowledge particularly on the perspectives of people with ID on their rights. As a result of participation in these studies, some changes at the individual and social levels occurred, but these were relatively limited. The implications of this analysis for future research are discussed in the context of the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.Marie Curie Action