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Theoretically, individualised funding schemes empower people with disability (PWD) to choose high quality support services in line with their needs and preferences. Given the importance of support, the aim of this scoping review was to understand the factors that influence the quality of paid disability support for adults with acquired neurological disability. A comprehensive scoping review of the published literature from 2009–2019 was conducted on five databases: Medline, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO and Scopus. Of the 3391 records retrieved, 16 qualitative articles were eligible for review. Thematic synthesis of the findings revealed six key interrelated themes: (1) choice and control, (2) individualised support, (3) disability support worker (DSW) qualities, (4) DSW competence, (5) PWD – DSW relationship, and (6) accessing consistent support. The themes depict factors influencing the quality of paid disability support from the perspective of PWD, close others and DSWs. Although the evidence base is sparse, the factors identified were in line with international rights legislation and policy ideals. The findings can provide insights to PWD hiring and managing support, and facilitate the delivery of quality disability support. Further research is required to understand the interactions between the factors and how to optimise support in practice. The quality of paid disability support is determined by a multitude of interrelated factors influenced by the disability support worker's qualities and competencies, the interaction between the person with disability and the disability support worker, as well as external contextual factors. Optimising choice and control for adults with acquired neurological disability and providing individualised support should be a significant focus for disability support workers. Training modules for disability support workers can be informed by five of the identified themes: (1) choice and control, (2) individualised support, (3) DSW qualities, (4) DSW competence and (5) the relationship between PWD and DSWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study aimed to investigate the health needs of adults with disabilities in South Korea according to disability type using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). An exploratory, qualitative approach using content analysis was employed. Five focus groups consisted of six to seven participants with visual impairment (PVI), hearing impairment (PHI), physical impairment (PPI), brain disorder (PBD), and intellectual disability (PID). Linking rules were used to identify how the health needs related to the ICF components of Body Functions, Activity & Participation, and Environmental Factors. The health needs related to the Environmental Factors were the most mentioned and were frequently perceived as causes of poor health conditions related to Activities & Participation and Body Function. According to what participants perceived as main health issues in the Environmental Factors, the five groups were classified into (1) Services, systems, and policies mainly affecting type (PVI and PPI); (2) Support and relationships mainly affecting type (PHI); and (3) Attitude mainly affecting type (PBD and PID). Government officials and health professionals must tailor development and provision of healthcare for people with disabilities based on health need type. Few studies have investigated the health needs of people with disabilities, although many health indicators suggest that they are facing health inequalities in South Korea. The health issues related to the Environmental Factors were often perceived in this study as causes of poor health conditions related to the Activities & Participation and Body Function, indicating the need to preferentially solve the health issues related to the Environmental Factor. According to what people with each of the five types of disabilities perceived as main health issues and what kinds of actions they expected in the Environmental Factors, they could be classified into three health need types. It is recommended that government officials and health professionals develop and provide appropriate supply-side measures of healthcare considering these different demand-side health needs according to disability type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The importance of assistive technology (AT) as a pillar of universal health coverage was recognized at the 71st World Health Assembly (WHA) through the passing of Resolution 71.8 on improving access to AT (May 2018). A systematic analysis was conducted on the responses made to the Resolution by Member States and non-state actors, in order to provide a snapshot of global intent. Methods: Qualitative content analysis was conducted on over 40 written "Statements" made by Member States and non-state actors in response to Resolution 71.8. Results: The Resolution provides tangible guidance to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its member states in order for them to meet commitments within the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Statements made in response to the Resolution offer a unique plethora of multi-stakeholder views from differing global perspectives. Analysis identified a range of themes within two overarching themes: intersection of health, human rights and sustainable development; and international collaboration and support within an international agenda framework. Conclusion: The content analysis synthesises complex global data and identifies directions to positively influence national and regional AT policy and delivery. The complexity of factors demonstrates the importance of an AT systems-thinking approach; that is, the development and application of organised knowledge, skills, procedures and policies related to assistive products. AT systems thinking will be essential for AT to be effectively deployed as a pillar of universal health coverage. Assistive technology is a key facilitator of health and well-being, playing a critical role in global efforts to improve population health outcomes and strengthening health systems Access to assistive technology is a public health priority and is an essential health product to be covered under Universal Health Coverage Effective action on access to assistive technology must encompass the reality of diverse contexts yet common purposes expressed by global actors This analysis demonstrates the intersection of the health, human rights and sustainable development agendas, and the importance of international collaboration and support in achieving effective access [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telerehabilitation (TR) presents an innovative technology capable of helping to address the rehabilitation needs of people with disabilities (PWDs) in rural areas. Because of social and environmental barriers for rural clients, TR offers an alternative method to lessen the impact of obstacles for service delivery in geographically isolated rural areas. This study aims to explore benefits and limitations of using TR to provide rehabilitation services to clients in rural areas. In this qualitative study, pre-service professionals identified the value of suitability, impact of rate of use, and technological tools to enhance TR services while plausible interference of services, ethical issues, and apprehensions fo r implementation represented potential hindrances for the use of this technology in rural areas. Implications for rehabilitation educators, practitioners and researchers are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Since families are perceived to be active agents in the early intervention programmes of young children with disabilities, professionals ought to treat parents as equal partners and keep them informed and involved in various aspects of the intervention. This study aimed to explore the areas in which parent empowerment is currently being facilitated in the early intervention centres for children with hearing loss. Method: A qualitative research with conversational analysis was the approach used. Focus group discussions with the two primary stakeholders, namely parents and special educators, were held separately at five sites in Mumbai, to gather their views on the existing areas of empowerment. It was also decided to explore the felt needs of parents in this regard. Space & Person triangulation was used to ascertain the credibility of the data. Results: Conversational analysis yielded 4 themes with respect to parents: Parental knowledge, involvement, support and needs. Conclusion and Implications: The study highlighted the gaps in parent empowerment in the programmes undertaken by early intervention centres. A recommendation is made to develop a common framework for empowering parents. It is envisaged that such a framework will bridge the gap between what currently exists for parents, their felt needs, and current global practices. This framework could also assist in measuring family empowerment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]