A pilot survey of physical activity in men with an intellectual disability

People with intellectual disability are reported as a sedentary population with increased risks of poor health due to an inactive and sedentary lifestyle. As the benefits of physical activity are acknowledged, measuring physical activity accurately is important to help identify reasons for low and high physical activity in order to assist and maintain recommended levels for optimal health. This paper reports a pilot study undertaken to validate the use of a physical activity monitor (Sensewear Armband) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) as instruments for measuring and exploring physical activity of men with intellectual disability. The design was a one group descriptive study and data were collected over a 7 day period from 17 men. The Sensewear Armband enabled continuous and long-term measurement of 14 objective physical activity metrics. The IPAQ examined details of physical activity reported over the 7 days. Equivalent results were found in both instruments indicating a positive correlation between the Sensewear Armband and the IPAQ. The results show 50% have low activity levels and the national recommended physical activity levels been achieved at a very low active intensity. No sustainable high physical activity intensity levels were recorded. The results confirmed the Sensewear Armband and the IPAQ as a practical means of measuring and understanding physical activity levels of men with intellectual disability

In search of solutions regarding the sex education of people with intellectual disabilities in Poland - participatory action research

Full and equal access to sex education for all citizens is ensured by international legal acts. Research shows, however, that people with intellectual disabilities (ID) receive neither support in understanding their sexual rights, nor access to sex education tailored to their needs. Sex education classes at a special school in Poland are not compulsory for students with ID, therefore they can be omitted from the curriculum. The research aims to learn the state of knowledge about human sexuality and to analyse the needs, barriers, and expectations of adult students with ID as regards their sex education. The methodology used included a qualitative approach (Participatory Action Research) using group interviews (FGI) with 24 ID students ages 18–24. The results of the study indicate that students taking part in the study possess fragmentary and incomplete knowledge about sexuality. They listed TV, the Internet, and friends as sources of information, leaving out school (teachers) and parents. However, their interest and willingness to talk was very high. A didactic tool for sex education was designed together with the student and is being used in schools

The Journey Experience of Visually Impaired People on Public Transport in London

The use of public transport is critical for Visually Impaired People (VIP) to be independent and have access to out-of-home activities. Despite government policies promoting accessible transport for everyone, the needs of VIP are not well addressed, and journeys can be very difficult to negotiate. Journey requirements can often differ from those of other categories of people on the disability spectrum. Therefore, the aim of this research is to evaluate the journey experience of VIP using public transport. Semi-structured interviews conducted in London are used. The results show that limited access to information, inconsistencies in infrastructure and poor availability of staff assistance are the major concerns. Concessionary travel, on the other hand, encourages VIP to make more trips and hence has a positive effect on well-being. The findings suggest that more specific policies should be introduced to cater to the special needs of particular disabilities rather than generalising the types of aids available. It is also concluded that the journey experience of VIP is closely related to an individual’s independence and hence inclusion in society

The prevention of offending behaviour by people with intellectual disabilities: a case for specialist childhood and adolescent early intervention

Purpose: Elucidating where antisocial or violent behaviour arises within the life course of individuals with intellectual disability (ID) could improve outcomes within this population, through informing services and interventions which prevent behaviours reaching a forensic threshold. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach: The Historical Clinical Risk Management-20, Version 3 assessments of a cohort of 84 inpatients within a forensic ID service were analysed for this study, with a particular emphasis on items concerned with the age at which antisocial or violence first emerged. Findings: For most participants, violent or antisocial behaviour was first observed in childhood or adolescence. The study also highlighted a smaller subgroup, whose problems with violence or antisocial behaviour were first observed in adulthood. Originality/value: The study findings suggest that targeted services in childhood and adolescence may have a role in reducing the offending behaviour and forensic involvement of people with ID. This has implications for the service models provided for children and adolescents with ID with challenging or offending behaviour

Disability related research in Ireland 1996-2001

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:m02/36662 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo