‘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

Creative Multilingualism

Multilingualism is integral to the human condition. Hinging on the concept of Creative Multilingualism – the idea that language diversity and creativity are mutually enriching – this timely and thought provoking volume shows how the concept provides a matrix for experimentation with ideas, approaches and methods. The book presents four years of joint research on multilingualism across disciplines, from the humanities through to the social and natural sciences. It is structured as a manifesto, comprising ten major statements which are unpacked through various case studies across ten chapters. They encompass areas including the rich relationship between language diversity and diversity of identity, thought and expression; the interaction between language diversity and biodiversity; the ‘prismatic’ unfolding of meaning in translation; the benefits of linguistic creativity in a classroom-seting; and the ingenuity underpinning ‘conlangs’ (‘constructed languages’) designed to give imagined peoples a distinctive medium capable of expressing their cultural identity. This book is a welcome contribution to the field of modern languages, highlighting the intricate relationship between multilingualism and creativity, and, crucially, reaching beyond an Anglo-centric view of the world. Intended to spark further research and discussion, this book appeals to young people interested in languages, language learning and cultural exchange. It will be a valuable resource for academics, educators, policy makers and parents of bilingual or multilingual children. Its accessible style also speaks to general readers interested in the role of language diversity in our everyday lives, and the untapped creative potential of multilingualism. As with all Open Book publications, this entire book is available to read for free on the publisher’s website. Printed and digital editions, together with supplementary digital material, can also be found at www.openbookpublishers.co