Suchergebnisse

Background  This study explored 'loneliness' as experienced by adults with intellectual disability, with 'intermittent' to 'limited' support needs.Method  A measure of loneliness was piloted, and qualitative techniques used to develop a greater understanding of the participants' experience.Results  The Loneliness Scale proved valid and reliable and the participants reported loneliness in ways comparable with the general population.Conclusions  The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of combining quantitative and qualitative techniques to enhance understanding of people's perspective when developing support systems to promote their quality of life. Based on participant perspectives, recommendations are made concerning the issues and types of support families and professionals could consider when seeking to assist people with intellectual disability address loneliness. Further investigation of the effects of differing educational and vocational opportunities on people's post‐school social networks appears warranted.

AbstractThe foreshadowed increase of older people with intellectual disability has become a reality in many developed countries. As these adults age, improved quality of life can be achieved through applications of conjoint policy aims of inclusion and participation. A transition‐to‐retirement (TTR) program developed for employees of a large multisite disability employment service in Sydney, Australia, used these aims to effect successful partial retirement. The authors describe the program logic of the TTR, detailing its conceptual components as the first step to enabling it to be tested and replicated in other settings. The TTR program has three components: promoting the concept of retirement, laying the groundwork for inclusion of would‐be retirees with intellectual disability in the community, and constructing the reality. The third component comprised five stages: planning, locating a group, mapping new routine, recruiting and training mentors, and monitoring and ongoing support. The project's participants were 24 older employees, who replaced 1 day a week of work with membership of a community group and were supported by mentors who facilitated involvement of the participants in their group. Data collected provided information on the implementation of the program, the time and costs expended, and challenges encountered. Key to the model was a coordinator, skilled in generic case management and specific disability interventions (such as active support), who collaborated with others to manage the program. The authors note that by detailing the program logic underpinning the TTR program, they have exposed the hidden work of supporting meaningful inclusion of people with intellectual disability in community groups and added to the limited stock of evidence‐informed programs in this area.

AbstractBackgroundCaregivers often avoid involving people with intellectual disability in end‐of‐life discussions and activities. One reason is fear that the person may become upset or psychologically harmed.MethodsPre and post a 6‐month intervention about end of life, we assessed depression, anxiety, and fear of death among intervention (n = 24) and comparison (n = 20) participants with intellectual disability. End‐of‐life 'encounters' (conversations/activities about end of life) were monitored, including comfort ratings.ResultsOverall, 79% of encounters were rated very comfortable/somewhat comfortable. Participants initiated 69% of encounters. There was no significant pre–post change in depression or fear of death. Anxiety improved significantly.ConclusionsThis is the first controlled, longitudinal study providing robust evidence about whether discussing end of life leads to emotional discomfort or psychological harm. Data showed adults with intellectual disability can safely engage in conversations/activities about end of life. The high percentage of participant‐initiated encounters showed participants wanted to talk about end of life.

Background  In low‐ and middle‐income (LAMI) countries, there is a lack of well‐trained therapists to provide specialist interventions for children with intellectual disabilities and their families. We sought to identify strategies deliverable by families or non‐specialist workers.Materials and Methods  After searches of appropriate scientific databases, we applied GRADE methodology to rate the quality of evidence for these interventions.Results  We identified small‐scale interventions trialled in LAMI countries with limited evidence of effectiveness in supporting development, adaptive behaviour and/or community participation. In high‐income countries, the Stepping Stones Triple P program for adaptive behaviour and the Portage program for child development have the most extensive evidence base and may be applicable in LAMI countries.Conclusions  There is reason to hope that, when combined with community development strategies, the welfare of children with intellectual disabilities in LAMI countries can be advanced within those countries' economic means.

BackgroundThis study reports on the feasibility of an intergenerational mentoring programme for youth with intellectual disability (ID) aimed at developing skills and building networks.MethodsYouth with ID were paired with older male mentors who were trained to support the mentees participate in activities and social interactions during weekly sessions. We interviewed the mentees and mentors, and assessed them on a range of outcomes using standardized measures.ResultsInterviews highlighted that the programme presented a great "opportunity" for the mentees and mentors. The participants described facilitators and challenges to the acquisition of practical skills by mentees and the development of relationships between mentors and mentees, including communication, transportation and mentor training. The youth with ID had difficulty completing the self‐report measures.ConclusionsMentoring programmes are viable to support youth with ID during the transition to adulthood; however, refinement is required in the rollout out of a pilot intervention.