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Disabilities, Volume 1, Issue 3 (September 2021) – 11 articles

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15 pages, 537 KiB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Review of Single-Case Research on Science-Teaching Interventions to Students with Intellectual Disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder
by Georgia Iatraki and Spyridon-Georgios Soulis
Disabilities 2021, 1(3), 286-300; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities1030021 - 19 Sep 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4972
Abstract
The present study records and evaluates science-teaching interventions for students with intellectual disability (ID) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at all education levels, for better access to the general curriculum. We conducted a systematic review of the primary research literature published from 2008 [...] Read more.
The present study records and evaluates science-teaching interventions for students with intellectual disability (ID) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at all education levels, for better access to the general curriculum. We conducted a systematic review of the primary research literature published from 2008 to 2018. A total of 24 single-case designs were identified through determined inclusion criteria. The articles were coded based on specific variables, and they were analyzed as a descriptive synthesis. A synthesis was then approached and the PND effect size was calculated. The study concludes that using systematic instruction with supplemental practices and technology support in teaching science to students with ID or ASD will allow them to make more meaningful natural-world connections through their learning. In addition, designing postsecondary programs for this population will contribute to building a society with equal participation and progress. The necessity for continuous research in teaching science to students with ID or ASD is also emphasized. Full article
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8 pages, 1978 KiB  
Article
Vulnerability to the COVID-19 Pandemic for People with Disabilities in the U.S.
by Jayajit Chakraborty
Disabilities 2021, 1(3), 278-285; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities1030020 - 3 Sep 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4039
Abstract
This study seeks to examine the relationship between COVID-19 vulnerability and disability status in the U.S. by investigating whether vulnerability to the pandemic is significantly greater in counties containing higher percentages of people with disabilities (PwDs) and those reporting specific types of difficulties, [...] Read more.
This study seeks to examine the relationship between COVID-19 vulnerability and disability status in the U.S. by investigating whether vulnerability to the pandemic is significantly greater in counties containing higher percentages of people with disabilities (PwDs) and those reporting specific types of difficulties, in four timeframes from May 2020 to February 2021. Values of the recently developed U.S. COVID-19 Pandemic Vulnerability Index (PVI) are analyzed with respect to disability variables from the 2019 American Community Survey five-year estimates. Statistical analyses are based on comparing the mean percentages of PwDs across five quintiles of PVI scores and bivariate generalized estimating equations that examine associations between PVI scores and disability characteristics while controlling for geographic clustering. The results indicate that the percentages of people with any disability and multiple disabilities, as well as percentages of PwDs reporting vision, cognitive, ambulatory, self-care, and independent living difficulties, are significantly greater in counties in the highest 20% of the PVI, compared to those in the lowest 20%. The percentages of all these disability variables are significantly and positively associated with PVI scores, suggesting that PwDs were overrepresented in U.S. counties with higher pandemic vulnerability in all four timeframes. These county-level associations emphasize the urgent need for more detailed analyses to examine the adverse impacts of COVID-19 on PwDs and more detailed information to enable such analyses. Full article
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21 pages, 682 KiB  
Review
Level of Inclusiveness of People with Disabilities in Ghanaian Health Policies and Reports: A Scoping Review
by Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Bunmi S. Malau-Aduli, Kristin McBain-Rigg, Aduli E. O. Malau-Aduli and Theophilus I. Emeto
Disabilities 2021, 1(3), 257-277; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities1030019 - 29 Aug 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7326
Abstract
(1) Background: Globally, persons with disabilities (PWDs) face numerous challenges including access to healthcare. This scoping review sought to assess the level of inclusiveness in Ghanaian health policies and reports for PWDs; (2) Methods: An extensive search and scoping review of health policies/reports [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Globally, persons with disabilities (PWDs) face numerous challenges including access to healthcare. This scoping review sought to assess the level of inclusiveness in Ghanaian health policies and reports for PWDs; (2) Methods: An extensive search and scoping review of health policies/reports in Ghanaian government websites and Google was conducted. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for scoping reviews were followed in selecting and reporting the policies/reports. The program evaluation and policy design framework was employed for content analysis; (3) Results: Fifteen policies and reports with political recognition, objectives, and specific resources needed to execute stipulated plans were included. Although these policies and reports had collaborative partnerships with various institutions and organisations in development and implementation plans, the level of inclusiveness of disability issues was very low. Only eight out of the fifteen policies/reports (53%) reviewed considered PWDs, indicating a low level of inclusion. The definition of disability was also limited.; (4) Conclusions: To achieve the sustainable development goal of ‘leaving no one behind’ in line with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities and the Disability Act 715 of Ghana, it is recommended that subsequent health policies should have an in-depth engagement with PWDs from the conceptual design stage right through to implementation and evaluation. Full article
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24 pages, 701 KiB  
Article
Family Quality of Life and Support: Perceptions of Family Members of Children with Disabilities in Ethiopia
by Julia Jansen-van Vuuren, Rosemary Lysaght, Beata Batorowicz, Solomon Dawud and Heather Michelle Aldersey
Disabilities 2021, 1(3), 233-256; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities1030018 - 21 Aug 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5778
Abstract
There has been increasing attention to quality of life for families supporting children with disabilities internationally; however, there is minimal research on family quality of life (FQOL) in low-income countries, and specifically in African contexts. This study explored how Ethiopian families of children [...] Read more.
There has been increasing attention to quality of life for families supporting children with disabilities internationally; however, there is minimal research on family quality of life (FQOL) in low-income countries, and specifically in African contexts. This study explored how Ethiopian families of children with disabilities conceptualised FQOL and what they perceived their support needs related to FQOL were. Using a qualitative exploratory descriptive design, we interviewed Ethiopian family members of children with various disabilities. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and translated into English with professional translation assistance. We analysed translated transcripts inductively based on Braun and Clarke’s approach to thematic analysis. We found that spirituality was core to families and that they described FQOL in terms of their relationships within the immediate family and with the community. Additionally, families wanted to be self-sufficient and provide for themselves, but with the additional challenges of raising a child with a disability and pervasive poverty, they recognised their need for more support. Therefore, providing holistic, family-centred services to Ethiopian families of children with disabilities can contribute to enhancing FQOL. Full article
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15 pages, 264 KiB  
Article
Disability, Caste, and Intersectionality: Does Co-Existence of Disability and Caste Compound Marginalization for Women Seeking Maternal Healthcare in Southern Nepal?
by Hridaya Raj Devkota, Andrew Clarke, Emily Murray, Maria Kett and Nora Groce
Disabilities 2021, 1(3), 218-232; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities1030017 - 18 Aug 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5079
Abstract
Background: Disability and caste are two different forms of oppression; however, people of the Dalit caste in Nepal and people with disabilities commonly face similar types of marginalities. Dalit women with disabilities may experience double discrimination because of the intersectionality of disability and [...] Read more.
Background: Disability and caste are two different forms of oppression; however, people of the Dalit caste in Nepal and people with disabilities commonly face similar types of marginalities. Dalit women with disabilities may experience double discrimination because of the intersectionality of disability and caste. This study examines whether the disability and caste identity of women together affects and compounds the utilization of maternal healthcare services. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire among a total of 354 Dalit and non-Dalit women, with and without a disability aged between 15–49 years. Maternal healthcare service utilization was assessed by antenatal care (ANC), health facility (HF) delivery, and postnatal care (PNC) during the last pregnancy. Logistic regression was performed to detect the predictors of service utilization and identify whether disability and caste were associated with service utilization. First, disability and caste were fitted separately in models. Secondly, the intersectionality of disability and caste was tested by inclusion of a disability*caste interaction term. Finally, the confounding effect of socio-demographic factors was investigated. Results: Out of surveyed women, 73% had 4+ ANC visits, 65% had HF delivery, and 29% had a PNC visit during their last pregnancy. Women with a disability had lower odds of HF delivery (OR 0.50, CI 0.30–0.84) and PNC (OR 0.47, CI 0.25–0.88) than women without a disability. Adjustment for women’s age and household wealth explained associations in HF delivery by women with disabilities. There was no association between caste and service utilization. Disability overrode caste, and there was no other evidence of effect modification by women’s caste status in the utilization. However, a weak interaction effect in the utilization of ANC services was found in the caste group by their education (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.05–0.74). Conclusions: Disabled women—whether Dalit or non-Dalit—had lower rates of utilizing all maternal healthcare services than non-disabled women. Interestingly, Dalit women with disabilities were more likely to receive PNC than non-Dalit women with disabilities. Increasing equity in maternal healthcare service utilization requires that traditional approaches to service development and program intervention be re-examined and more nuanced interventions considered to ensure improved access and outcomes among all vulnerable groups. Full article
16 pages, 1167 KiB  
Article
Strengthening the Participation of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities in the Decision-Making of National Government and the United Nations: Further Analyses of the International Disability Alliance Global Survey
by Joanne McVeigh, Malcolm MacLachlan, Delia Ferri and Hasheem Mannan
Disabilities 2021, 1(3), 202-217; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities1030016 - 3 Aug 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5585
Abstract
The participation of organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) is crucial at each stage of policy processes at the local, regional, and international levels. However, decision-making mechanisms have traditionally excluded OPDs, failing to consult with them on decisions that impact on their daily [...] Read more.
The participation of organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) is crucial at each stage of policy processes at the local, regional, and international levels. However, decision-making mechanisms have traditionally excluded OPDs, failing to consult with them on decisions that impact on their daily lives. The overall aim of this study was to examine the participation of persons with disabilities and OPDs in development programmes and policies by exploring recommendations from a sample of OPDs on ways to strengthen their participation with government and the UN. Secondary data analysis was conducted using a global survey on the participation of OPDs, administered by the International Disability Alliance to OPD representatives. Two open-ended items were analysed, which explored participants’ recommendations on ways to strengthen their participation with government and the UN. Data were analysed using the descriptive and interpretive qualitative methods. Respondents provided recommendations on how to strengthen their participation with their national government and the UN, focusing on several issues including accessibility, human rights, and the need for inclusion of all OPDs and all groups of persons with disabilities. The synergy between the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Sustainable Development Goals presents opportunities for OPDs to increase their participation in development policies and programmes. It is vital, however, to dismantle the barriers to participation in decision-making by OPDs and persons with disabilities. Full article
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15 pages, 460 KiB  
Article
The Prognostic Factors and Required Degree Influencing the Activities of Daily Living and Gait in Brain Impairment Patients with Hemiplegia
by Seungsu Kim, Jihye Park and Young Jin Ko
Disabilities 2021, 1(3), 187-201; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities1030015 - 27 Jul 2021
Viewed by 3535
Abstract
To improve the independence of brain impairment patients in ADL, we sought to identify influential parameters from information commonly collected in hospitals, prioritize the factors, and specify the degree to which those factors are necessary. In total, 64 patients with hemiplegia, who had [...] Read more.
To improve the independence of brain impairment patients in ADL, we sought to identify influential parameters from information commonly collected in hospitals, prioritize the factors, and specify the degree to which those factors are necessary. In total, 64 patients with hemiplegia, who had been admitted to the one of the authors, were examined using various evaluation tools. Afterwards, we checked the difference between the capable group and the incapable group with an independent t-test or chi-squared test to determine the significant factors, and we prioritized the significant factors with Spearman’s rho test. The degree of their necessity was determined with the ROC curve. Standing balancing ability and hip joint and knee extensor strength are necessary in most ADL except for eating. In order to independently perform most ADL except eating and one gait cycle, the strength of the knee extensor and hip flexor was required to exceed grade 3 on the MRC scale. However, one gait cycle was possible even if the strength of the hip joint and knee extensors rated lower than 3 on the MRC scale. Additionally, upper limb motor recovery was required up to the distal parts in the order of bathing, dressing, and grooming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disabilities and Quality of Life)
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13 pages, 248 KiB  
Article
The Circumstances of Children with and without Disabilities or Significant Cognitive Delay Living in Ordinary Households in 30 Middle- and Low-Income Countries
by Eric Emerson and Gwynnyth Llewellyn
Disabilities 2021, 1(3), 174-186; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities1030014 - 19 Jul 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3468
Abstract
Home-based early intervention is a key component of strategic approaches to preventing the loss of developmental potential among young children in middle- and low-income countries. We undertook secondary analysis of nationally representative data collected in 30 middle- and low-income countries during Round 6 [...] Read more.
Home-based early intervention is a key component of strategic approaches to preventing the loss of developmental potential among young children in middle- and low-income countries. We undertook secondary analysis of nationally representative data collected in 30 middle- and low-income countries during Round 6 (2017-) of UNICEF’s Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Our analyses, involving over 100,000 children with/without disabilities or significant cognitive delay, indicated that children with disabilities and/or significant cognitive delay were more likely than their peers to: be living in relative household poverty and in rural areas; have a mother with only primary level education; live in households where intimate partner violence was considered acceptable by the child’s mother; be less likely to be receiving any pre-school education; have a mother with disabilities; receive low levels of parental stimulation; be exposed to violent parental discipline. For many of these indicators of poorer home circumstances, the level of risk was notably higher for children with significant cognitive delay than for children with disabilities. Our study findings suggest the need to consider tailored, evidence-based approaches to reduce and (potentially) overcome the increased risks that young children with disabilities and young children with significant cognitive delay experience in middle- and low-income countries. Full article
13 pages, 1346 KiB  
Commentary
Will Disabled Workers Be Winners or Losers in the Post-COVID-19 Labour Market?
by Paula Holland
Disabilities 2021, 1(3), 161-173; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities1030013 - 9 Jul 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 8229
Abstract
Workplace inflexibility contributes to the higher rates of job loss and unemployment experienced by disabled people. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries already had significant disability employment gaps. Based on evidence from previous recessions, the global recession resulting from the pandemic is [...] Read more.
Workplace inflexibility contributes to the higher rates of job loss and unemployment experienced by disabled people. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries already had significant disability employment gaps. Based on evidence from previous recessions, the global recession resulting from the pandemic is likely to have a severer and longer-lasting impact on the employment of disabled workers compared with non-disabled workers. In the UK, there is already evidence that the disability employment gap has widened since the pandemic. On the other hand, the pandemic initiated increased access to home-working, a change in working arrangements that may prove beneficial to disabled workers employed in desk-based roles. Home-working can increase the accessibility of employment and support work retention for disabled workers, yet pre-pandemic many employers had withheld it. Studies of employees’ and employers’ experiences of home-working during the pandemic have indicated a desire to retain access to home-working in the future. A permanent cultural shift to increased access to home-working would help address the disability employment gap for desk-based workers. However, disabled workers are over-represented in jobs not conducive to home-working, and in sectors that have been hardest hit by business closures during the pandemic, so the position of many disabled workers is likely to remain precarious. Full article
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10 pages, 2468 KiB  
Article
Public Health and Disability: A Real-Life Example of the Importance of Keeping Up the Good Work
by Ann I. Alriksson-Schmidt and Gunnar Hägglund
Disabilities 2021, 1(3), 151-160; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities1030012 - 7 Jul 2021
Viewed by 2654
Abstract
Secondary and tertiary prevention strategies are essential in targeting those with disabilities to improve their health and well-being. In Sweden, over 95% of all children with cerebral palsy (CP) participate in a follow-up program in which one of the goals is to prevent [...] Read more.
Secondary and tertiary prevention strategies are essential in targeting those with disabilities to improve their health and well-being. In Sweden, over 95% of all children with cerebral palsy (CP) participate in a follow-up program in which one of the goals is to prevent hip dislocations. To demonstrate the importance of maintaining timely, systematic, preventive, work overtime, we reviewed the incidence of hip dislocations from 2010 to 2019 and the number of children who underwent different types of hip surgeries in Sweden. Leading to 2015, the number of hip dislocations reduced from 8.8% before the introduction of the program to 0.3–0.4%, followed by a gradual increase to 0.8% in 2019. The proportion of children who underwent adductor–psoas lengthening as their primary preventative surgery decreased from 65% in 2010 to 45% in 2019, with a corresponding increase of children undergoing femoral osteotomy, indicating that more children underwent surgery at a later stage. One of the likely reasons for the increase in hip dislocations includes longer waiting periods before surgery, possibly due to a shortage of nurses. At least seven of the 29 children with dislocated hips waited more than one year for preventative surgery and developed a hip dislocation during this period. It is also possible that the increased number of children with hip dislocations may be associated with the fact that more children with CP have immigrated to Sweden in recent years without receiving corresponding compensation in healthcare resources. The results highlight the importance of constantly monitoring follow-up programs to swiftly notice alarming trends that require immediate action. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Wellbeing of Individuals with Disability)
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19 pages, 4702 KiB  
Article
The Importance of Accessible Information in Promoting the Inclusion of People with an Intellectual Disability
by Melody M. Terras, Dominic Jarrett and Sharon A. McGregor
Disabilities 2021, 1(3), 132-150; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities1030011 - 29 Jun 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 8388
Abstract
People with an intellectual disability experience high levels of social exclusion and a range of health inequalities. Increased inclusion and participation in healthcare decision making have been identified as key to promoting inclusion in health and social care. However, achieving these objectives requires [...] Read more.
People with an intellectual disability experience high levels of social exclusion and a range of health inequalities. Increased inclusion and participation in healthcare decision making have been identified as key to promoting inclusion in health and social care. However, achieving these objectives requires increased recognition of the communication and health literacy needs of individuals with an intellectual disability and consideration of the appropriateness of the information currently provided. In this article, we report the results of a pre-COVID-19 qualitative study exploring the provision and use of accessible information to support the healthcare inclusion of individuals with an intellectual disability. A total of 35 clinicians participated in focus group discussions, and 10 people with intellectual disabilities and 10 carers were interviewed regarding their experiences of using accessible health-related information. Qualitative data analysis using a framework approach highlighted the crucial role of communication partners when using accessible information, deficits in current National Health Service (NHS: UK’s publicly funded health care system) information provision in the UK, and possible broader relevance of accessible resources. The implications of these findings for the provision of accessible information in a post-COVID-19 environment are explored, and recommendations are made for the increased integration and theory-driven research to inform the provision, content, and use of health-related information, especially the provision of online information, in the future. Full article
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