The aim of this article is to present explicit and implicit attitudes of occupational therapy (OT) staff towards people with intellectual disabilities. The study was conducted on a group of 77 OT ...employees. To explore the explicit attitude, the Conditional Respect for Persons with Disabilities Questionnaire (Kurtek, Roczniki Psychologiczne, 2018, 4, 327–344) was used, while to estimate the implicit attitude, the Intellectual Disability Attitudes Implicit Association Test was applied (Kurtek, Roczniki Psychologiczne, 2021, 1, 43–64). At the explicit level, OT staff tended to tolerate negative and overrate positive behaviours of people with intellectual disabilities, which indicates a tendency to favour the individuals. However, the opposite devalorizing tendency was observed at the implicit dimension, which indicates aversive ableism. Although the study confirmed the independence of the two dimensions of the personnel's attitude, relationships were observed between the disclosure of negativity towards antagonistic behaviours of the people with intellectual disabilities and a decrease in the level of their implicit devaluation.
Background
The dynamic nature of intellectual disability necessitates repeated screening.
Method
The functional screening tool (FST‐ID) for individuals with intellectual disabilities was carefully ...constructed.
Results
The FST‐ID General Adaptive Composite score (GAC) runs between 0 and 68 points. Criterion validity—high‐positive correlations were found between FST‐ID and ABAS‐II (Gold standard), and between the severity of the intellectual disability and the FST‐ID (r = 0.78, p < .001). The scale holds high‐internal consistency and intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability values. The cut‐off point between mild and moderate disability is 50.4 (Sensitivity: 87%, Specificity 86%, p < .001) and 29.4 between moderate to severe‐profound (Sensitivity: 96%, Specificity 94%, p < .001).
Conclusions
The FST‐ID presents high‐psychometric properties and requires less than 5 min to complete. Using this tool may support efficient screening practices and improved supports for adults with intellectual disability.
Background: Dedifferentiated policy treats adults with intellectual disabilities as part of the larger group of people with disabilities. The implications of the dedifferentiated National Disability ...Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for adults with intellectual disabilities are explored.
Methods: Analysis of peer reviewed and grey literature between 2014 and 2020 about design of the NDIS and outcomes.
Results: Many participants experienced problems with NDIS implementation. Outcomes for adults with intellectual disabilities compared poorly to other groups. They were disadvantaged by standardised planning processes relying on self-expressed needs and omission of supported decision making. As the NDIS matures, it is becoming more differentiated but issues relevant to adults with intellectual disability remain largely invisible.
Conclusions: Further shifts towards standardised planning and functional assessment may be disadvantageous for adults with intellectual disabilities for whom support needs are dependent on social and contextual factors, and exercise of choice on support for decision making.
Background
As individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) age, services often diminish, with many family caregivers experiencing challenges finding and navigating services. ...The purpose of this study was to examine the benefits of a state‐wide family support project for ageing caregivers (50+) of adults with I/DD in accessing and using services.
Method
A one‐group pre‐test–post‐test design was used to determine if participation in the MI‐OCEAN intervention grounded in the Family Quality of Life (FQOL) theory reduced ageing caregivers' (n = 82) perceptions of barriers to accessing, using and needing formal services.
Results
After participating in the study, there was a reduction in reported barriers to accessing services. There was also greater use and reduced need for 10 of the 23 listed formal services.
Conclusions
Findings indicate that a peer‐mediated intervention grounded in FQOL theory can be beneficial in empowering ageing caregivers by reducing perceived barriers to accessing services and increasing their use of advocacy and support services.
The study investigated the influence of the humanistic orientation on the perspectives of service providers working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the ...self‐evaluation of service users. The humanistic orientation, which emerged in the 1990s, emphasizes the rights of people with IDD to lead a meaningful life based on their personal needs and desires. However, challenges persist as some service providers prioritize the acquisition of normative life skills over fostering autonomy. The study was based on quantitative methodology and included 61 service providers and 95 of their service users. The study's findings indicate that the humanistic orientation was endorsed by nearly one half of the service providers compared with one third who endorsed a medical orientation. Those endorsing a humanistic orientation also reported that their service users had higher levels of efficacy than those with a medical perception of IDD. Positive correlations were found regarding the assessments made by service providers and their service users on self‐efficacy. Findings suggest that a humanistic orientation encourages optimism among service providers and a positive dyadic interaction between providers and users. It is suggested that the humanistic orientation be applied as a guiding principle underlying the daily support provided to adults with IDD.
Sexuality in persons with intellectual disability (ID) is one of the frequently discussed topics of many scientific disciplines. Sexuality in persons with ID is determined by the specific features of ...ID, but also by the attitudes of the society and possibilities of persons with ID to establish intimate relationships, have sexual experience, and be able to express their own sexuality as an autonomous human need. The objective of the review was to present an analysis of published knowledge about supporting (and expression) of adults with ID in the area of sexuality (i.e. support provided to persons with ID as well as carers, professionals and family members providing support to persons with ID in the area of sexuality). Relevant studies (N = 47) identify the following as the most significant areas of supporting sexuality in adults with ID: sexual relationships, contraception, pregnancy and parenthood, sexually transmitted diseases, gay or lesbian relations/relationship, unacceptable and criminal sexual conduct, taking responsibility for sexual behavior, defining sexuality, values, body image, etc. Another important aspect is cooperation with close persons, carers and parents of individuals with ID. There is a possibility to use specific instruments for elementary assessment (SSKAT, SexKen-ID, ASK), the technique of social stories, and the content of educational program aimed at sexuality in persons with ID. Another option is sexual assistance and self-advocacy. Existing research focuses mainly on prevention of sexual abuse of persons with ID, but attention should also be paid to other aspects of their sexuality. Available evidence suggests that providing support to persons with ID in relation to their own sexuality is a difficult task. There is a need for further training and education of professionals, close persons and carers in order to provide qualified support to these clients.
Background
One challenge a modern society faces is this: providing those vulnerable and ageing groups of adults who have intellectual disabilities with appropriate support for improving static and ...dynamic balance. Balance is a crucial component of physical fitness and, consequently, of fall reduction and prevention. The aim of the present randomised controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy, after 16 weeks, that three different Special Olympics physical activity programmes had on balance and on fall reduction in adults with intellectual disabilities.
Method
A convenience sample of 150 persons with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities was recruited from the accessible Special Olympics Slovenia population of physically inactive adults with intellectual disabilities. The sample was randomised to the experimental group 1 (multicomponent balance‐specific exercise programme group with additional workshops on such social gerontology topics as active and healthy ageing; N = 50), the experimental group 2 (multicomponent wellness programme group; N = 50) and a control group (regular Special Olympics athletic training; N = 50).
Results
Significant differences were found between groups in the balance scores throughout the study period and in the ability to decrease fall frequency.
Conclusions
Balance assessment is a high predictor of frequency of falls, and among adults with intellectual disabilities, it significantly correlates with exercise. The results indicate that a multicomponent balance‐specific exercise programme with a significant sociogerontological component on active ageing could be a useful intervention for intellectually disabled adults who have poor balance and who experience frequent falls.
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