This book examines the role that technologies play in the lives of adults with learning disabilities. It analyses how design and support practices can be used to support access to technology in ways that can enhance opportunities and life experiences.
Drawing on international literature and the author’s own research, the book considers what we know about past and present practices of supporting adults with learning disabilities to use technologies. It outlines how support practices can offer opportunities to overcome digital inequalities, offering a framework of core beliefs and knowledge that can inform future initiatives. The book has a particular focus on technologies, policies, practitioner communities and the characteristics of support practice. It also highlights the potential of people with learning disabilities, the potential of technology and the potential of the environment to support technology use.
This important book will be highly relevant reading for academics, researchers and post-graduate students in the field of special educational needs and disabilities, digital education and learning technologies, inclusive education and social work.
Author(s): Jane Seale
Series: Routledge Research in Special Educational Needs
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 235
City: London
Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
List of Tables
Preface
1. Taking stock of past and present practice
Introduction
Scoping definitions and terms
My approach to writing the book
Central themes of the book
References
2. A framework for examining how adults with learning disabilities are supported to use technologies
Introduction
A methodological framework
Positive risk-taking as a framework for understanding support practice
Conclusion
References
3. Exploring narratives of potential: From the perspective of adults with learning disabilities
Introduction
Giving voice to the technology experiences of people with learning disabilities
Stories of potential
Celebrating the technology-related achievements of people with learning disabilities
People with learning disabilities can develop agency, through appropriate support
Conclusion
References
4. Technologies of the past: Mixed blessings
Introduction
Technology as a burden or an asset
Technologies as mainstream or specialist
Technology as a panacea or a tool
Technologies as meaningful or inappropriate for adults with learning disabilities
Conclusion
Notes
References
5. Building networks and creating gaps: Past policy initiatives
Introduction
Policy relating to children and young people
Policy relating to adults
Conclusion
Notes
References
6. Support networks of the past: A constellation of communities of practice
Introduction
Seeking connections between the child-focused and adult-focused practitioner communities
Boundary objects as sources of connection between child-focused and adult-focused communities
Brokering as sources of connection between child-focused and adult-focused communities
Boundary encounters beyond the child-focused community
Conclusion
Note
References
7. Mapping the characteristics of past support practice
Introduction
The absence of shared decision-making and risk management in past support practice
Creativity as a cornerstone of past support practice
Enablers of creative practice
The longevity and sustainability of creative practices of the past
Conclusion
Notes
References
8. Technologies of the present: New design imperatives
Introduction
Designing for hope or fear
Designing for everyone or designing for difference
Designing through user involvement
Conclusion
References
9. Navigating the causes of digital inequalities: Present policy and legislative initiatives
Introduction
Cost-related causes of digital inequalities
Technology-related causes of digital inequalities
Environment-related causes of digital inequalities
Conclusion
Notes
References
10. Support networks of the present: A conflict of enterprises?
Introduction
Scoping the different communities of practice that form a network of support for adults with learning disabilities
Shared enterprises
Conflicting enterprises
Sources of connection between communities
Conclusion
References
11. Mapping characteristics of present support practice
Introduction
The persistence of creativity in current support practice
Risk management
Shared decision-making
Resilience
Influences on support practice
Conclusion
References
12. Charting a course to a future practice
Introduction
What should future support practice look like?
How do we develop practices that support adults with learning disabilities to access and use technologies?
Conclusions
Notes
References
Index
