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Boland G, Guerin S. Supporting Social Inclusion in Neighbourhoods of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: Service Providers' Practice Experiences. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES : JOID 2023; 27:291-314. [PMID: 35446739 PMCID: PMC10164231 DOI: 10.1177/17446295221085479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Deinstitutionalisation has increased the likelihood of adults with intellectual disabilities residing in neighbourhoods either in staff-supported accommodation or in their family home. However, it raises the question of whether national policies on disability have translated into practice actions by service providers that result in positive social inclusion outcomes for individuals. This study examined the practice initiatives supporting social inclusion in neighbourhoods in specialist state-funded service providers for adults with intellectual disabilities. Using a mixed methods design, CEOs/service leaders of 40 organisations completed an online survey. Follow-up interviews were completed with a randomised sample. Shifting towards new service models and strategic links with mainstream organisations were most often mentioned as furthering social inclusion goals. A wide range of service initiatives were reported, with positive outcomes alongside a range of challenges. Service providers play an important role in providing individualised supports that foster local engagement. However, the service context is complex and service leaders have reported many challenges that may impede progress on social inclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine Boland
- UCD Centre for Disability Studies, UCD School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Suzanne Guerin
- UCD Centre for Disability Studies, UCD School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Henderson M, Hughes M, Hurley J, Smith G. A scoping review of voluntary male mentoring: Themes to connect adult men. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e3300-e3308. [PMID: 35848395 PMCID: PMC10083971 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In contemporary western cultures, such as Australia, there is increasing reported social disconnection. This disconnection is associated with loneliness and for some suicide, particularly for men. Voluntary male mentoring organisations aim to socially connect and improve men's wellbeing through facilitating men's one-to-one relationships. As is the case with most people, men value someone with whom they may communicate openly and safely, as occurs in voluntary mentoring. However, there is limited research on voluntary male mentoring or the experiences of the participants. This scoping review of the literature from voluntary adult male mentoring thematically synthesises the reported narratives from mentors. A systematic search was undertaken of five academic databases on voluntary adult male mentoring for scholarly articles in English. Additionally, the returned articles had their references reviewed for relevant authoritative reports and publications. After duplicates were removed, there were 471 publications. Sources included publications from humanities, social science, psychology and the health sciences. Once screened for eligibility this number was reduced to 29 publications. A thematic synthesis of the literature found the concepts of intentional relationship, journey and mutual growth were present. The implications of these findings are that men in community settings, informed by the experience of voluntary mentors, may be prepared to engage with other men. Additional research on the lived experience of mentors may offer further insights into facilitating male connection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Henderson
- Faculty of HealthSouthern Cross UniversityCoffs HarbourNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Mark Hughes
- Faculty of HealthSouthern Cross UniversityCoffs HarbourNew South WalesAustralia
| | - John Hurley
- Faculty of HealthSouthern Cross UniversityCoffs HarbourNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Gregory Smith
- Faculty of HealthSouthern Cross UniversityCoffs HarbourNew South WalesAustralia
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Giummarra MJ, Randjelovic I, O’Brien L. Interventions for social and community participation for adults with intellectual disability, psychosocial disability or on the autism spectrum: An umbrella systematic review. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2022; 3:935473. [PMID: 36189003 PMCID: PMC9397886 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.935473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
ObjectiveThis umbrella systematic review examined the effectiveness, facilitators, and barriers of interventions for social, community and civic participation for adults on the autism spectrum, or with intellectual or psychosocial disability.Data SourcesEight databases were searched to identify eligible reviews defined by the: Sample (≥50% adults on the autism spectrum or with intellectual or psychosocial disability), Phenomena of Interest (interventions in community settings that aimed to improve social, community or civic participation, or capacity to participate), Design (any), Evaluation (any method that evaluated impacts on participation or capacity to participate), and Research type (reviews as journal articles, dissertations or in grey literature, in English, published 2010-2020).Review MethodsRapid review methods were used. One researcher screened 27,890 records and 788 potentially eligible full texts. A second reviewer independently screened 20% of records, and ambiguous full text publications. Study quality was extracted, and review quality was assessed with the Assessing Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) checklist. Data from 522 studies in 57 eligible systematic reviews were extracted for narrative synthesis. The Corrected Covered Area (CCA) was calculated to indicate overlap between reviews.ResultsThere was a pooled sample of 28,154 study participants, predominantly from studies in North America, the UK and Europe. There was very low overlap between reviews (CCA = 0.3%). Reviews were predominantly low quality: 77.2% of reviews met <50% of AMSTAR criteria. Most studies were low (45.4%) or moderate (38.3%) quality. Three broad intervention categories improved participation, inclusion and belonging outcomes: (1) interventions to help people identify and connect with participation opportunities (e.g., person centred planning); (2) participation opportunities or activities (e.g., joining a community group, sports or outdoor activities, or arts-based activities); and (3) supports to build skills and capacity to participate socially and in the community.ConclusionsThe evidence highlighted that improved social and community participation requires purposeful strategies that identify meaningful participation preferences (e.g., where, when, how, and with whom) and provide support to build capacity or enable ongoing participation. Community capacity building, peer support and advocacy may also be needed to make the community more accessible, and to enable people to exercise genuine choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melita J. Giummarra
- Research and Evaluation Branch, Digital Design and Strategy Division, National Disability Insurance Agency, Melbourne Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Correspondence: Melita J. Giummarra
| | - Ivana Randjelovic
- Research and Evaluation Branch, Digital Design and Strategy Division, National Disability Insurance Agency, Melbourne Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa O’Brien
- Research and Evaluation Branch, Digital Design and Strategy Division, National Disability Insurance Agency, Melbourne Victoria, Australia
- Department of Nursing and Allied Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
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Gagnon K, Levasseur M. Attendant's experience with the personalized citizen assistance for social participation (APIC). BMC Geriatr 2020; 20:503. [PMID: 33238911 PMCID: PMC7687692 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-01897-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To promote healthy aging, the social participation needs of older adults must be better met. Previous studies have shown the benefits of the Personalized citizen assistance for social participation (APIC), but few explored its influence on attendants. This study explored the assistance experience of attendants in providing the APIC to older adults with disabilities. METHODS A qualitative design inspired by a phenomenological approach was used with six female attendants who participated in individual interviews. RESULTS The APIC attendants felt useful, developed meaningful relationships with their older adults, and improved their self-knowledge. Attendants had the opportunity to reflect on their lives and self-aging. They contributed to older adults' functional independence, motivation, and participation in social activities. Attendants encountered challenges related to withdrawn behavior in older adults, such as refusing to participate in activities. CONCLUSIONS Considering the identified benefits of the APIC for attendants, further studies should explore personalized assistance to preserve older adults' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Gagnon
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th, Avenue North, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1H 5N4, Canada.
- Research Centre on Aging, Eastern Townships Integrated University Centre for Health & Social Services-Sherbrooke Hospital University Centre, 1036, Belvedere Street South, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1H 4C4, Canada.
| | - Mélanie Levasseur
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th, Avenue North, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1H 5N4, Canada
- Research Centre on Aging, Eastern Townships Integrated University Centre for Health & Social Services-Sherbrooke Hospital University Centre, 1036, Belvedere Street South, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1H 4C4, Canada
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Schepens HRMM, Van Puyenbroeck J, Maes B. How to improve the quality of life of elderly people with intellectual disability: A systematic literature review of support strategies. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2018; 32:483-521. [DOI: 10.1111/jar.12559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bea Maes
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
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Bigby C, Anderson S, Cameron N. Identifying conceptualizations and theories of change embedded in interventions to facilitate community participation for people with intellectual disability: A scoping review. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2017; 31:165-180. [PMID: 28799696 DOI: 10.1111/jar.12390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little progress has been made towards community participation of people with intellectual disability despite it being a policy aim since the 1980s. We aimed to identify the features of programmes designed to support community participation. METHOD A scoping review was conducted of peer-reviewed literature between 2000 and 2015, about interventions to support community participation for adults with intellectual disability. RESULTS A small body of evidence relates to the design and effectiveness of interventions to enhance community participation. Seventeen studies reported programmes reflecting three conceptualizations of community participation (as social relationships, as convivial encounter and as belonging) that used strategies such as active mentoring, facilitative support worker practice and arts-based programmes. CONCLUSIONS Studies showed the diverse and person-centred nature of community participation and demonstrated the need for larger-scale studies of promising interventions that include details of costs, and strategies to guide implementation of policies to support community participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Bigby
- Living with Disability Research Centre, LaTrobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
| | - Sian Anderson
- Living with Disability Research Centre, LaTrobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
| | - Nadine Cameron
- Living with Disability Research Centre, LaTrobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
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Stancliffe RJ, Bigby C, Balandin S, Wilson NJ, Craig D. Transition to retirement and participation in mainstream community groups using active mentoring: a feasibility and outcomes evaluation with a matched comparison group. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2015; 59:703-718. [PMID: 25496307 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper reports on the feasibility and outcomes of a transition to retirement programme for older adults with disability. Without activities and social inclusion, retirees with disability are likely to face inactivity, isolation and loneliness. METHODS Matched intervention and comparison groups each consisted of 29 older individuals with disability. There were 42 men and 16 women with a mean age of 55.6 years While attending their individual mainstream community group 1 day per week, intervention group participants received support from community group members trained as mentors. We assessed participants' loneliness, social satisfaction, depression, life events, quality of life, community participation, social contacts, and work hours before and 6 months after joining a community group. RESULTS Twenty-five (86%) of the intervention group attended their community group weekly for at least 6 months. They increased their community participation, made an average of four new social contacts and decreased their work hours. Intervention participants were more socially satisfied post-intervention than comparison group members. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate that participation in mainstream community groups with support from trained mentors is a viable option for developing a retirement lifestyle for older individuals with disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Stancliffe
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia
| | - C Bigby
- School of Social Work and Social Policy, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - S Balandin
- School of Health & Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - N J Wilson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Western Sydney, Richmond, New South Wales, Australia
| | - D Craig
- School of Social Work and Social Policy, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Hansji NL, Wilson NJ, Cordier R. Men's Sheds: enabling environments for Australian men living with and without long-term disabilities. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2015; 23:272-281. [PMID: 25428844 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The health of Australian men has recently received greater attention. Men's Sheds are named in national policy as an exemplar community-based organisation for the betterment of men's psychosocial health; yet, the evidence base to support this is limited. This study investigates the comparative experience of men with long-term disabilities and men without long-term disabilities who go to a Men's Shed and to what extent this provides these men with an enabling, as opposed to disabling, environment. Data were collected from 12 individual interviews with men with long-term disabilities (5) and men without long-term disabilities (6), including 1 interview with the male Men's Shed Coordinator (MSC); participant observation within the shed; and a document received from the female MSC regarding the funding the Shed receives. Interviews explored the men's experiences at the Shed and their sense of belonging and social inclusion. Participants had any type of long-term disability and had been attending the shed for a minimum of 1 month. Data were collected between May and September 2013 and were analysed using the constant comparative method of grounded theory. The core theme that emerged was an enabling community space. The four sub-themes were: a community and social hub; an equalising space; a safe and supportive male environment; and meaningful male activities. The current literature exemplifies Men's Sheds to be important community-based organisations beneficial to men's health and well-being. For men living with long-term disabilities, this study illuminates that Men's Sheds offer an environment of equality, facilitating a collegial and egalitarian culture. Men can partake in enabling activities and enjoy the company of other men enhancing their sense of belonging and social inclusion as well as interact with other community groups that occupy the same space as the Men's Shed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj L Hansji
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Bigby C, Wilson NJ, Stancliffe RJ, Balandin S, Craig D, Gambin N. An Effective Program Design to Support Older Workers With Intellectual Disability to Participate Individually in Community Groups. JOURNAL OF POLICY AND PRACTICE IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/jppi.12080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Cordier R, Wilson NJ. Mentoring at Men's Sheds: an international survey about a community approach to health and well-being. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2014; 22:249-258. [PMID: 24199944 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Men's Sheds are named within the Australian and Irish National Male Health Policies as an exemplar of male health and well-being and offer a range of formal and informal mentoring to counter the known consequences of social exclusion. The study aimed to report on whether Men's Sheds undertake mentoring programmes, and if so, who is being mentored; are mentors being trained, and if so by whom; and the perceived effectiveness of the mentoring programme. Furthermore, the study aimed to explore associations between sheds with a mentoring programme and factors that reflect an inclusive and a health-focused environment. All known Men's Sheds were invited to participate in the survey; of those, 324 (42.8%) Men's Sheds in Australia and 59 (48.0%) International sheds participated in the study between April and August 2012. Overall, 39.2% (n = 127) of Australian sheds and 23.7% (n = 14) of International sheds undertook formal mentoring. Youth was the most common group being mentored in both Australia (60.6%; n = 77) and Internationally (71.4%; n = 10). Over half of Australian shed co-ordinators rated their mentoring programme as moderately effective (52.8%; n = 67) and over a third as highly effective (36.2%; n = 46), while half of International shed co-ordinators rated theirs as highly effective (50.0%; n = 7). The findings from this paper support the notion that a large number of Men's Sheds offer formal mentoring programmes targeting a range of disadvantaged sub-populations, thus supporting social inclusion. Inter-generational mentoring is the most frequently occurring type of mentoring programme. While training mentors occurs at some sheds, the efficacy of this training and programme outcomes are unknown. A typology of shed types appears to be emerging based on a divergence of sheds with a more utilitarian focus and sheds that appear to embrace a health and well-being focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinie Cordier
- School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Wilson NJ, Cordier R, Wilson Whatley L. Older male mentors' perceptions of a Men's Shed intergenerational mentoring program. Aust Occup Ther J 2013; 60:416-26. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J. Wilson
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy; Faculty of Health Sciences; The University of Sydney; Lidcombe New South Wales Australia
| | - Reinie Cordier
- School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work; Curtin University, Perth Western Australia Australia
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