The Internal Revenue Code: a burden for taxpayers or an instrument for social change?

Social engineering in the tax code has been evident from the beginning of the U.S. tax history. Today, it is as much as ever a part of the fabric of the tax codification, but there is very little research that investigates 1) how social engineering plays a role in the creation of new tax law, and 2) whether tax law is effective in altering taxpayer behavior. This paper streamlines the history of social engineering in the most popular revenue-reducing measures and analyzes how they\u27ve affected the U.S. taxpayer, with notes on future policy implications

A cluster randomised control trial of a multi-component weight management programme for adults with intellectual disabilities and obesity

There have been few published controlled studies of multi-component weight management programmes that include an energy deficit diet (EDD), for adults with intellectual disabilities and obesity. The objective of this study was to conduct a single-blind, cluster randomised controlled trial comparing a multi-component weight management programme to a health education programme. Participants were randomised to either TAKE 5, which included an EDD or Waist Winners Too (WWToo), based on health education principles. Outcomes measured at baseline, 6 months (after a weight loss phase) and 12 months (after a 6-month weight maintenance phase), by a researcher blinded to treatment allocation, included: weight; BMI; waist circumference; physical activity; sedentary behaviour and health-related quality of life. The recruitment strategy was effective with fifty participants successfully recruited. Both programmes were acceptable to adults with intellectual disabilities, evidenced by high retention rates (90 %). Exploratory efficacy analysis revealed that at 12 months there was a trend for more participants in TAKE 5 (50·0 %) to achieve a clinically important weight loss of 5-10 %, in comparison to WWToo (20·8 %) (OR 3·76; 95 % CI 0·92, 15·30; 0·064). This study found that a multi-component weight management programme that included an EDD, is feasible and an acceptable approach to weight loss when tailored to meet the needs of adults with intellectual disabilities and obesity

Relationships and Resources: Supporting Exceptional Learners from Birth through Primary School

Bringing a child into your family is an emotional experience. New parents are excited to begin a new chapter with their new little ones but also apprehensive about what the future may bring. The hopes, joys, and anxieties of parenthood are unparalleled. When a child has any kind of special need, those emotions can be more pronounced and all-encompassing as parents and caregivers struggle to adjust to the unknown. This chapter will outline common milestones of young children, challenges experienced by parents and caregivers of young children with exceptionalities, and strategies and resources designed to support families on their journeys. The information is designed to be presented in a way to help set families and their little ones up for success. The content provided in this chapter is built on the premise that knowledge is power, that all children can learn, and that parent-professional partnerships are central to the growth of all learners

Microsexism: Macro Impact

This Major Research Project (MRP) was a journey more than a destination. Although there was a distinct outcome, much was revealed through the methodological processes that made the particulars of it possible. The journey had a two-pronged approach. Firstly, it dove into the essence of women’s experiences of microsexism in the workplace. It studied how subtle bias often unconsciously serves to sideline women’s self esteem, careers, and advancement. Then into the heart of Canada’s legislative, institutional, and organizational inability to close the gender wage gap, and to achieve balanced representation at senior levels and on boards. All of which ladders up to negatively affect a business’s success and the macro economy. A revelation along the way was that male allies are vital to eliminating microsexism in the workplace, that without their belief in its existence and participation to eliminate it, gender equality in the workplace will remain stalled. Most men are willing but may not know how. Secondly, it was a journey through the Ethnographic Experiential Futures (EXF) method of using ethnographic research to design images of the future as an experience. It was a process of discovering firsthand how ethnographic research data can be analyzed and synthesized to design an experience that resonates with its audience. The outcome is an immersive installation called Kaleidoscope Anima. It uses light, sound, mirrors and colour to shower participants with emotional triggers as they move from the present status quo workplace culture toward a preferred future of gender equality and economic stability. It is followed up by a four-point strategic plan, which outlines easy to implement tactics for individuals to use at work. The suggestion is that after experiencing the powerful emotions from the installation, participants may be left with an intent but no means. The four steps—think, speak, act and invest—guide, rather than scold, male allies to recognize the potential of a gender equal workplace to be a win-win for their own careers, business and personal lives