ERIC Number: EJ970972
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Jun
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1354-4187
EISSN: N/A
Relationships of People with Learning Disabilities in Ireland
Bane, Geraldine; Deely, Marie; Donohoe, Brian; Dooher, Martin; Flaherty, Josephine; Iriarte, Edurne Garcia; Hopkins, Rob; Mahon, Ann; Minogue, Ger; Mc Donagh, Padraig; O'Doherty, Siobhain; Curry, Martin; Shannon, Stephen; Tierney, Edel; Wolfe, Marie
British Journal of Learning Disabilities, v40 n2 p109-122 Jun 2012
This study explored the perspectives of people with learning disabilities on relationships and supports in the Republic of Ireland. A national research network consisting of 21 researchers with learning disabilities, 12 supporters, and 7 university researchers conducted the study. Researchers with learning disabilities and their supporters ran 16 focus groups with peers with learning disabilities. A total of 97 adults with learning disabilities from across the country took part in the focus groups. Findings suggest that people with learning disabilities have a diversity of experiences and views on relationships and support needed to keep them. People with learning disabilities taking part in the focus groups identified that they need more support from friends, family, and services staff to develop new relationships and keep their existing ones. This support includes both emotional and systematic changes such as accessible transport, own housing, and changed laws. The article discusses how the research team used the findings to advocate for a change in the laws concerning sexuality and learning disability in the Republic of Ireland.
Descriptors: Learning Disabilities, Focus Groups, Foreign Countries, National Surveys, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Accessibility (for Disabled), Interpersonal Relationship, Interprofessional Relationship, Social Support Groups, Social Capital, Social Science Research, Friendship, Social Cognition
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Ireland
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A