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The disadvantages experienced by adult persons with disabilities are well documented. However, limited evidence is available on the extent of differences in comparison with the non-disabled population. In this study, selected indicators of social status and mental wellbeing derived from past research, were used with national samples of adult persons in Ireland with a disability (n = 440) and without a disability (n = 880) recruited through household quota sampling. In addition, comparisons were drawn with equivalent data derived from a contemporaneous national census. Although many of the differences were statistically significant, the effect sizes were mostly medium to low. Moreover, when the inter-relationships among the various indicators was taken into account using Discriminant Analysis, persons with disabilities were less likely to be employed; they reported lower levels of social engagement and had poorer emotional wellbeing. They were also older, more likely to be single and have no children. The study illustrates the potential of using comparative data to monitor the impact of national actions taken to reduce the inequalities experienced by persons with disability as well as highlighting the arenas into which professional supports need to be focused.

AbstractThe achievements of early intervention during the last quarter of a century are built on family‐based services with a whole‐child focus. Their influence has been far‐reaching but knowing what needs to be done increases the frustrations in making effective interventions available to all families and children, irrespective of where they live. Among the service transformations reviewed are the shift in focus from children to families; the recasting of service personnel from specialists to family supporters; the development of therapies into child‐led transactions as the preferred means of promoting development, and new approaches to evaluating service effectiveness. Examples are given of low‐cost service strategies to meet the needs of the developing world, new styles of training opportunities for parents and communities, and the promotion of policies at a community and national level that nurture the wellbeing of children and families. The primary requirements for successful interventions remain the age‐old values of love, self‐sacrifice and respect for the dignity and worth of each person. Sustaining these in modern society is arguably our greatest challenge.

The history of people with disabilities has been dominated by their isolation and exclusion. The long fight towards inclusion - and inclusive education in particular - started not many years ago. Most were powerless to control their own destiny. Their participation in society has been the object of others actions. In many countries their disability policies have a substantial element of protection and charity but not the right to equalisation of opportunities. This book highlights the process of change that is underway internationally. The equalisation of opportunities requires new processes t

Universal education is an elusive goal in many countries, especially for disabled children. Nonetheless, determined efforts around the globe have shown that it can become a reality once existing systems were re-imagined by practitioners who arguably have been to the fore more so than academic researchers. Their efforts have identified new ways of thinking about children's disabilities, the introduction of new practices in schools, forging partnerships between teachers and parents and mobilising community resources. Societal change is both a consequence of and a support to these local systems. The complexity of creating education for all may be daunting, but it is achievable when driven by committed, creative and inspirational leadership from practitioners, as is evident from the examples provided in this paper, which were further validated by research and evaluation into their efforts.

BackgroundInternationally adults with intellectual disability are largely cared for by their families, especially in low‐ to middle‐income countries (LAMIC). Compared to high‐income countries, little is known about their experiences in LAMIC such as South Africa.MethodsFocus group discussions were carried out with 37 family caregivers (FCGs) in the Cape Town metropole. These were transcribed and analysed thematically. Core categories were identified and validated through member checking.ResultsFamily caregivers showed strong commitment to care despite the heavy responsibility and burden of care that women especially experience. They recognize the limited personal growth opportunities for people with intellectual disability that increases the caregiving burden. FCGs identify supports and resources in the community that assist them with their care responsibilities but often feel let down by services.ConclusionsImproved family supports appropriate to the resources in LAMIC are needed especially when existing carers are no longer able to provide care.

Disabled children are among the most marginalised in our society. Their influence has been negligible on policies and service practices that directly affect their lives. Empirical research using innovative methodologies can at least enable their voices to be heard. Based on the contributions of leading researchers and practitioners to a seminar series in theUK, a schema to guide future research was developed that aims to reduce the fragmented approach that exists at present. It considers both the context in which research is conducted and the nature of the investigations. The schema places particular emphasis on research influencing policy and practice.

• Summary: The evaluation of a project instigated by a voluntary group provided an opportunity to investigate the benefits of holiday breaks to both carers and participants. Feedback was obtained from over 100 people with intellectual disabilities through individual and group interviews, as well as from their carers using self-completed questionnaires. • Findings: Overall, the breaks were thoroughly enjoyed by the project members, providing them with a range of activities and leisure pursuits in the company of their friends and, on certain breaks, with non-disabled people as well. Carers reported more benefits to their relative in the later years of the project and became more willing for their relative to attend. • Applications: Three main issues are discussed: the use of mainstream settings and services, rather than specialist facilities, to provide short breaks; how best to encourage other carers of people with more significant needs to avail themselves of these opportunities; and ways of improving the social and leisure networks of people living with families so that the benefits of the 'holiday' experience could be recreated more locally and more frequently.

The majority of school leavers over two years from two special schools for pupils with severe learning disabilities were individually interviewed (N = 34), as were their parents (N = 38). Parental reports stressed the amount of care and supervision required by these young people. They viewed them as vulnerable to various different hazards such as crossing roads and only a minority were prepared to take the risk of teaching them. However more of the young people felt they were capable of certain tasks. Parents had a particular fear that their son or daughter may be taken advantage of sexually even though the bigger risk—going by the young people's reports—is verbal abuse and bullying from peers. A model is proposed of the influences on parental assessments of risks. This might be used in arriving at 'shared risk‐taking' strategies with professionals and the young people during the later years of schooling.

ABSTRACTWhen scores across 29 of the 36 areas of personal and social skill on the Pathways to Independence checklist were analysed, a multidimensional structure with one large factor, personal independence, emerged. Results suggest that, as some basic skills were loaded on single factors, and more complex skills emerged as conglomerates, two types of competence were apparent.Implications for the provision of functional teaching strategies in natural settings are discussed. Replication among other client groups is proposed. The usefulness of social competence measures in ascertaining intellectual development as well as adaptive functioning should be tested in future studies.

Preliminary Material -- The power of positive experiences -- Whose life is it anyway? -- The role of the supporter -- Nurturing mutual relationships -- Friendships and intimacy -- Bringing people together -- Joining community networks -- Working in partnerships -- Balancing risks and opportunities -- Finding fulfilment -- Notes -- References.

Children with disabilities are at greater risk of social exclusion. In part, this results from the negative perceptions of disability held by their peers. An innovative, school-based project used creative music-making sessions facilitated by young disabled musicians to nurture more positive attitudes among children aged 9 years in four schools, with two classes from each. In all, around 200 pupils were involved in weekly sessions totalling 16 h. Their attitudes to disability were assessed before and after participating in the project, along with the reactions of parents and teachers. Pupils were significantly more disposed to interacting with children with disabilities and to persons with disabilities more generally as well as to having a teacher with a disability. Parents and teachers confirmed the pupils' enthusiasm for the project and the impact it had on them. A core driver for change appeared to be sharing enjoyable musical activities with competent musicians who had disabilities. Further research should explore the potential of mentoring by disabled persons in other arts activities and sports to provide further validation of this approach.

AbstractA brief intervention is described and evaluated that aimed to build and strengthen relationships for families of children diagnosed with ASD aged 12 and under. A particular focus was on socially disadvantaged parents. Parents were offered around five home visits which took place on weekdays during working hours; each lasting around 90 min. They were given individualised practical tools and support to manage their children's behaviours alongside providing a listening ear to parents' concerns. In all, 456 children and 427 families participated over a four-year period with a take-up rate of 87% of all referrals. The drop-out rate was low (4.5%) as was the proportion of missed and cancelled appointments. Parents' satisfaction ratings were high and most found the number of sessions provided was 'just right'. Children improved in their personal care, had less difficulty with change, showed less anger and had fewer meltdowns. Parents reported being less stressed, not feeling so down and managing their child better. The evaluations suggested that a brief home-based intervention is a viable and effective means of providing personalized, post-diagnostic support to parents at periodic intervals, although socially disadvantaged families may require additional assistance beyond managing their child's ASD. The project also highlighted broader issues that impede effective support for families.