Background: People with learning disabilities have the right to choose where they live. However, evidence suggests people's choices are limited due to a shortage of housing. Methods: 200 Lives was a mixed methods research project, which evaluated supported living and residential care for people with learning disabilities in England; 107 people…

Background: Shared Lives (adult placement) is a model of community-based support where an adult who needs support and/or accommodation moves into or regularly visits the home of an approved Shared Lives carer. It is an established but small-scale service used mainly by adults with learning disabilities. However, little research has been conducted…

Background: Service culture refers to the practices, views and values within service organisations. Developing positive cultures has been thought imperative to improving social care, though day services and their cultures remain an under-researched area. For many autistic people with profound learning disabilities, day services are the sites at…

Background: The emphasis of mental health services has changed to become more recovery focussed and is increasingly looking towards new roles such as peer support as a part of service provision (NHSE, 2019). However, services for people with learning disabilities and mental health difficulties have lagged behind with people with lived experience…

Background: Persons with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) risk exclusion, both in research and as members of society. Because of their embodied communication, they face the challenges in being understood. Oftentimes, others speak on their behalf making inferences on what their perspective might be. Methods: Empathy is suggested…

Background: Recent Government guidelines have promoted returning people with learning disabilities and/or autism from out-of-area placements to their local communities. These transitions not only impact the individuals but also their families. Methods: This study explores the experiences of family members who have been involved in the repatriation…

Background: The STOMP agenda (Stopping Over-Medication of People with learning disabilities, autism, or both) drew focus to individuals with a diagnosis of a learning disability being prescribed psychotropic medication to manage 'behaviours that challenge'. The following study is an audit of two community learning disability services in the London…

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a worldwide increase in the use of digital technology. Many people with learning disabilities have learned new digital skills, taken part in online activities, and kept in touch with family and friends using video calls. However, the experiences of digital participation or nonparticipation…

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic changed the way we live, work, interact and do research. Many activities moved online, and digital inclusion became an urgent issue for researchers working with people with learning disabilities and other groups at risk of exclusion. This has generated new questions about how we conduct research…

Background: Young people with learning disabilities use many digital technologies to undertake meaningful and social activities in their everyday lives. Understanding these digital activities is essential for supporting their digital participation. Including them in exploring their digital activities can be challenging with conventional…

Background: This paper describes the experience of conducting a co-researched project with people with learning disabilities in Madrid, Spain, during the COVID pandemic and lockdown. I discuss the advantages and limitations of working online and challenges encountered while coordinating and facilitating the research. Methods: Our research project…

Background: COVID-19 is a life-threatening virus which has circulated the globe resulting in unprecedented effects on the daily lives of people across the world. Countries across the globe have advocated measures, including self-isolation and maintaining social distance to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The pandemic has seen an increase in the use…

Background: The aim of this study was to examine whether and how people with learning disabilities were being supported to use technologies to keep connected and stay well during the pandemic. Methods: Thirty-eight people in a range of support roles were interviewed about their experiences of trying to support people with learning disabilities to…

Background: There are few identified risk factors that may contribute to the increased risk of hospital admission for children and young people with intellectual disabilities. This qualitative study aimed to identify the key risk factors that precipitate admissions to Tier 4 child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) inpatient services…

Background: People with a learning disability can present with complex physical and social needs, and sometimes rely on touch for communication. Historically, touch-related staff guidance has been described as risk-averse, lacking an evidence base, control-orientated and potentially harmful. This project reviews local touch-related guidance from…