The role of supporters in facilitating the use of technologies by adolescents and adults with learning disabilities: a place for positive risk-taking?

The role of supporters in facilitating access to and use of technology by people (adolescents and adults) with learning disabilities has not been the primary focus of much of the research that has been undertaken to date. The review of literature presented in this paper suggests, however, that issues of support, risk and safety are emerging as factors that have a significant influence on the quality of technology access and use that adults with learning disabilities experience. There is a need for more research into how the relationship between supporters, technologies, adolescents and adults with learning disabilities is mediated by risk, and this paper offers an original perspective on how positive risk-taking might be a useful conceptual framework to aid in the exploration of this relationship

Supported Decision Making

Examines impact of preference and choice making on self-determination and other valued outcomes for individuals with disabilities Explores preference and choice within disability service and policy contexts Discusses key global issues relating to choice (e.g., guardianship, funding, health care systems) across the lifespan Addresses choice in relation to challenging life domains (e.g., sexuality, parenting, end of life