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People with disabilities often are precluded from research by accessibility problems. This article explores what it really means to make research accessible, and provides suggestions for including people with 2 types of disabilities. Eight specific research activities are explored in relation to 2 disabilities (visual impairments and deafness). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of a study examining the psychometric quality of a pictorial scale to measure perceived physical competence, perceived cognitive competence and perceived social acceptance by peers and caregivers in individuals with intellectual disabilities are reported. The scale was administered twice to 100 subjects. The stability of the scale proved good: the test-retest correlations were sufficiently high and significant; and the internal consistency of the scale also proved good. To establish the internal validity of the scale, the correlations between the four subscales were calculated. The correlations were reasonable, which shows coherence between the four scales but also sufficient differentiation. The correlations between the two subscales for social acceptance were quite high, and it was therefore decided to combine them. To gain insight into the external validity of the pictorial scale, a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was constructed to measure the three domains of perceived competence from the pictorial scale in a more global manner. The VAS yielded reliable results. The correlations between the VAS and the pictorial scale were moderate to reasonable. Finally, the scores on the pictorial scale did not vary according to sex or level of functioning. All of the subscales differed according to age, however. Individuals over the age of 35 scored significantly lower than younger individuals. The results of this research show the pictorial scale to be a reliable instrument for the measurement of perceived competence and social acceptance in individuals with intellectual disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with developmental disabilities are at high risk for developing mental health problems. The prevalence of psychopathology is approximately 4 times higher than that found in the general population. Yet there is a tendency to underdiagnose psychiatric disorders in the developmentally delayed population because of diagnostic overshadowing, the lack of appropriate diagnostic criteria, and the paucity of appropriate assessment measures. Over the past decade, there has been an emergence of scales developed specifically to screen for psychopathology in individuals with developmental disabilities. In addition, advancements have been made in observation techniques, thus facilitating the ability to objectively observe behaviors often described as internal events. A description of a multimethod approach to assessing psychopathology in individuals with developmental disabilities is provided incorporating the recent advancements in the field, as well as suggestions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we examine the situation of disabled people in England and Wales with regard to one specific aspect of social exclusion--experience of justiciable problems, and the potential effects such problems can have on their lives. Having defined 'disability', we examine how this fits within the wider dialogue on social exclusion issues. By analysing the results of the Legal Services Research Centre's (LSRC) periodic survey of justiciable problems, we find that disabled respondents were not only more likely to experience a problem, they also experienced more problems. Increased likelihood of a problem was observed in the majority of problem categories and particularly those relating to issues of social exclusion, such as housing and welfare benefits. This propensity to experience multiple problems can lead to a negative impact on the lives of long-term ill and disabled people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online interviews are deemed an effective and appropriate approach for accessing discourse about the online experiences of people with disabilities. Some of the central arguments in support of conducting discursive research online, a type of qualitative approach, are delineated. Various practical benefits are considered for researchers, as well as participants--especially those with disabilities. Ethical issues surrounding access to, and the analysis of, readily available data in online communities are brought to the fore. In light of ethical dilemmas surrounding naturalistic data collection online, an alternative approach is offered, which utilizes online interviews with people with disabilities about their online experiences. A description of the data-collection process is given, including participants and recruitment, materials and procedures, rapport building, and security and ethics. Reflections on the process highlight how methodological pitfalls were managed and, in some cases, resolved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines rationales for permitting proxies to enroll decisionally impaired individuals in nonbeneficial experiments. Conflict between bioethics professor Stephen Post's common good rationale and the right to bodily integrity; Description of the practice of proxy consent in the medical treatment setting; Recommendations.

Outcomes and effectiveness research is a category of health services research that gauges how well the health care needs of persons with disabilities are being met. Using Patrick’s Model of Health Promotion for people with disabilities as a framework for analysis, this article examines outcomes and effectiveness research related to the health care needs of persons with disabilities. The three most pressing research priorities are clear theoretical conceptualizations and qualitative research on health outcomes relevant to the needs of persons with disabilities; a systemic analysis of existing assessment instruments’ utility for disability outcomes research; and the development and testing of new outcome instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compares the relevance of the feminist accounts of human embodiment for disability studies by Judith Butler and Maxine Sheets-Johnstone. Butler's notion that bodies are materialized via performances resignifying disability; Bipedal locomotion as an ingredient of our pan-hominid speciation, according to Sheets-Johnstone; Axiological aspirations of the feminists' views.

The relationship between the academy and the disability movement is a problematic one. Disability researchers based in the academic world who align themselves with the social model of disability face contradictory aims and values in attempting to challenge dominant modes of research production in ways that signify the importance of the agendas of disabled people. It could be argued that research that involves people with the label of 'learning difficulties' creates further points of contention. In this paper we do two things. First, we re-present a paper given at a conference on the performing arts of people with 'learning difficulties', where the audience was made up of performers, workers, providers and researchers. This paper attempted to be accessible, theoretical, political and practical. Secondly, we reflect upon this paper in relation to seven points of analysis that emerge at the boundaries of disability politics and disability research. We argue throughout that real efforts must be made to bridge these boundaries in ways that augment disability theory and politics together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In his essay, 'From handicap to disability: language use and cultural meaning in the United States', Patrick J. Devlieger raises some important and intriguing claims about the symbolic nature of the terms 'handicap' and 'disability'. As communication scholars, we applaud the attention Devlieger devotes to issues that fit comfortably under the general heading of the symbolic construction of health. In this response, we wish to highlight some contributions Devlieger makes and, hopefully, advance this conversation by offering some important extensions of the issues raised in his essay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the relationship between psychiatric system survivors with disability. It is written from the perspective of a psychiatric system survivor as a basis for further discussion and action about the relationships with each other. Discussion about the nature of the relationship between disability, madness, distress and psychiatric system survivors does not seem to have progressed much since its exploration. Then, media and political perceptions of and responses to disabled people and survivors seem to be diverging in destructive and alarming ways. The situation for psychiatric system survivors, however, has unambiguously worsened. Care in the community is perceived politically as a failure and government has signaled its end. "Mental health" debate has been dominated by a small number of high profile homicides linked with mental health service users. There does not seem to be any clear agreement in disability discourse whether or not madness, distress and psychiatric system survivors are part of the discussion.

Thirty-five disabled people with a range of physical, sensory and mental impairments were interviewed about (1) their experiences of research; (2) their general opinions concerning research; (3) whether they thought research had served/was serving disabled people well; (4) how research on disability should be conducted; (5) who should conduct research on disability; and, finally, (6) what they would like to be researched. In this paper, the results of aspects two to five are reported. It was found that the opinions of disabled people mirror quite strongly the recent arguments forwarded by disabled academics concerning the need for emancipatory and empowering research strategies. In particular, the respondents articulated a need for inclusive, action-based research strategies, where disabled people are involved as consultants and partners not just as research subjects, There were few arguments, however, for an exclusive approach, where disability research would be conducted solely by researchers who were themselves disabled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout history, theorists have made use of the technology of the day to provide explanatory models of the behaviour they observe in order to provide an improved understanding of human behaviour. Bax (1998) describes the use of models of disability as not particularly helpful in relation to the treatment of children with physical disabilities. It is the purpose of this paper to show that models do have their place within disability research and the implications of using the medical and social models of disability, together with two models from developmental psychology, namely the transactional model and systems theory, will be discussed. It is argued by the authors that the usage of these models can aid understanding of disability in both research and clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which improved the understanding of gender differences in the process of becoming disabled among older adults with arthritis. Background on the study; Data and method; Research findings; Discussion.

Describes a research on a strategy known as Biala for ensuring that the participants in forums interact sensitively and communicate effectively with the person with a disability. Criteria that informants for Biala should meet; Important technical characteristics of Biala; Conclusion.

Part V. Considers the influence of implicit and explicit theories on interventions and research on disabled people. Distinction between impairment and disability; How postmodernism sees society; Conclusion.

Presents a review of social validation research involving persons with handicaps. Function of social validation; Social importance of the effects and goals; Social appropriateness of procedures; Determining optimal levels of performance.

A survey designed to measure attitudes toward handicapped persons was administered to 92 young, nonhandicapped children. Nine of the subjects, who had previously reported more favorable attitudes as a result of participation in a structured integration program, continued to demonstrate these gains 2 years later. The remaining 83 subjects had never participated in a structured integration program. Analysis of the responses of the 92 children according to type of contact and the time at which contact occurred suggested that contact per se, regardless of type or timing, can produce more favorable attitudes among young children than an absence of contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reviews the major definitions of disability and reports the results of a national study assessing disability in both family and paid work roles. Disability and rheumatoid arthritis; Work and family work disability; Program definitions of disability in the US; National health surveys; Definitions of disability; Methods and results of the study; Discussion.

Presents information on a study researching the happiness of people with profound multiple disabilities. How happiness indices were defined; Number of participants; Observations; Results.

A model is described in which service programs for handicapped children can be transformed into self contained research-service units. It is suggested that both research and service goals can be achieved concurrently and more economically within this model and that the research component is likely to enhance the effectiveness of the service component as well. The essential characteristics of this approach consist of an intensive individual analysis of each child's behavior and the application of multiple baseline procedures to most aspects of program development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the results of a research on the social problems faced by physically handicapped adolescents in the U.S. The researchers assumed that the adjustment of the handicapped group is less mature than normal adolescents. They considered social relationships as the main conflict for the physically incapacitated. It was observed that normal adolescent children show better relationships and greater identification with the father than do handicapped children. The authors concluded that some areas must be given emphasis in order for physically handicapped children to adjust socially.

The article presents a review of a study about out-of-area placement for people with disabilities commissioned by Social Institute for Excellence (SCIE) in Great Britain. It offers an overview on the findings of the study and includes community care statistics on the volume of out-of-area placements. Furthermore, the researchers highlight that there is insufficiency in research on those with complex medical needs such as dual sensory impairments.

Focuses on disability research in South Africa. Assumptions on the research on disability; Nature and focus of disability research in South Africa; Issues raised by disability researchers; Principles of an empowering approach to disability research; Recommendations to the approach.

The article presents a discussion on the education of handicapped children and the research conducted in support of the program. It also discusses the special legislation that supports the education of handicapped children such as the Research and Demonstration in the Education of the Handicapped which resulted in a systematic federal attention in support of the potential of research and related activities in meeting the educational needs of handicapped children. The specific issues to be taken into consideration in the future regarding these educational needs are also presented.

The article presents several articles related to physically handicapped children published in several journals. The articles include "Handbook on Services to the Physically Handicapped, Montreal and Region", "A Rehabilitation Program for the Dentally Physically Handicapped Child," by Arthur Bushel and David B. Ast, "International Study Conference on Child Welfare: Resolutions and Findings" and "The Institute for Research on Exceptional Children at the University of Illinois," by Samuel Kirck and Willard B. Spalding.

The article provides a list of completed theses in the field of disability studies. It also provides the names of colleagues who are new entrants to the discipline. It presents the theses on the disability rights movement in Taiwan by Heng-hao Chang, analysis of the discourse and discursive devices used to represent learning disability in the stories told in the classroom to students by learning disability nurse teachers by Su Shaw, and disability and identity in South Africa from a human rights perspective by Martha M. Laclave.

The article focuses on research which was done on physical activity among adults with a disability in the United States in 2005. The research, which was performed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was done in an effort to estimate the state specific prevalence of physical activity and physical inactivity among adults with or without a disability. Researchers found that compared with adults without a disability, a smaller proportion of people with a disability met national recommendations for physical activity.

Research shows that self-determination and the right to make life choices are key elements for a meaningful and independent life. Yet, older adults and people with disabilities are often placed in overly broad and restrictive guardianships, denying them their right to make daily life choices about where they live and who they interact with, their finances, and their health care. Supported decision-making (SDM)--where people use trusted friends, family members, and professionals to help them understand the situations and choices they face, so they may make their own decisions--is a means for increasing self-determination by encouraging and empowering people to make decisions about their lives to the maximum extent possible. This article examines the implications of overly broad guardianship and the potential for supported decision-making to address such circumstances. It introduces the National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making as one means to advance the use of supported decision-making and increase self-determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article calls for doctoral thesis in the field of Disability Studies to be published in the forthcoming issues of the journal.

The article discusses several research works related to learning disability in Great Britain. A research was commissioned to examined services for adults with intellectual and multiple disabilities following the launch of Valuing People Now in 2009. The Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives research focuses on the government's strategy for adults with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD).

The article focuses on the study which emphasizes the need for one person to experience supporting people with a dual diagnosis of learning disability and psychosis. The study involves eight individuals with a dual diagnosis of mild to borderline intellectual disabilities and psychosis. Both healthy people and people with disabilities are enjoined to themed sessions. Results reveal that both groups have been able to learn more about the concept of psychosis and the need for medication.

Introduces a series of articles which deal with research and practice for persons with severe disabilities.

Praises an article on bodily integrity as a morally limiting factor in research on persons who are incapacitated with regard to decision making in the context of human-participants research. Role of family members in the provision of consent to nontherapeutic research; Recommendations.

Presents an overview of research on disability. Integration of rehabilitation research with the mainstream of scientific activity; Use of general tools of scientific method in solving specific problems; Concentration on the psychological aspects of physical disability.

Announces the 1996-1997 Ed Roberts Fellowship for postdoctoral and doctoral disability research at the University of California in Berkeley. Contact information.

The article presents a handicapped funding directory for ERIC. Research Grant Guides announced the publication of the revised and updated edition of the "Handicapped Funding Directory." This 1982-83 third edition directory is a resource of information for planners and fund seekers for the handicapped. It contains a list of more than 500 foundations, corporations, associations, and government agencies for handicapped programs and services. Also featured in this directory are articles on how to obtain grants, names and addresses of State Agency Directors, and a bibliography of grant funding publications.

Discusses a report from the Institute of Medicine. Call for the creation of a federal agency on disability and rehabilitation research to coordinate and fund promising research on disability and rehabilitation studies; Contact point for obtaining copies of `Enabling America: Assessing the Role of Rehabilitation Science and Engineering.'

Reports on a grant awarded to the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation to study physiologic effects of sexual function in the handicapped. Test of methods to improve sexual satisfaction; Invitation of participants in the research project.