The findings suggest that individuals with intellectual disabilities can make a valuable contribution to discussions surrounding the use of prenatal testing. Implications for clinical practice include the use of information about Down syndrome given to prospective parents, and the possible psychological impact of prenatal testing practices on individuals with Down syndrome.

PurposeThis paper draws on research which began in 2006 with students in a graduate course on rural education. Its purpose was to find out what graduate students saw as current issues of rural education, how that compared to the literature, and what they thought supporting agencies such as government and universities needed to be doing to advance rural education. This paper focuses on presenting the findings and initiating a dialogue that leads to further conceptual understanding of ruralness.Design/methodology/approachThe inquiry design and implementation is grounded in theories of constructivism and personal practical knowledge.FindingsSome of the more common issues for participants in the study such as, curriculum delivery; bussing; teacher training; insecurity in teacher allocations; and threats of consolidation, are synonymous with the literature. The data also points to the need for research in rural schools and rural communities which is set within a rural‐based theoretical framework.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is conducted within the context of one Canadian province using participants from one specific setting. Therefore, the findings represent a localized instance of both curriculum research and literature review.Practical implicationsThe study may serve to illuminate issues which can be expanded and become more global in its practicality.Originality/valueThe paper provides an example of curriculum research that is founded on the work and learning experiences of students and their instructor. This knowledge can play a significant role in determining future curriculum design; curriculum implementation; teacher training, recruitment, and retention while enhancing community development in rural areas.

As health threats appear with increasing regularity in our food systems and other food crises loom worldwide, we look to rural areas to provide local and nutritious foods. Educationally, we seek approaches to food studies that engage students and their communities and, ultimately, lead to positive action. Yet food studies receive only generic coverage and tangential attention within existing curricula. This article, reporting a pilot study located at Canada's geographic and cultural edge, focuses on local knowledge about past and present food practices. Objectives are to test pedagogies that bring all students greater opportunities for engagement and learning about their physical environment and food history, and that can be applied to rural and, with modifications, urban settings. Three critical, place-base pedagogical approaches — experiential, discovery and arts-based — to classroom teaching and learning are discussed, as well as implications for educational leadership, teacher training and curriculum development.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of clinical psychologists in promoting compassionate cultures within intellectual disability services. Design/methodology/approach This is a commentary paper which draws on Albee’s (1983, 2000) social justice model as a theoretical framework for the primary prevention of the mental health consequences of social injustice. Findings Albee’s model conceptualises three interconnected areas including; the individual or micro-level, the organisational or meso-level and the level of social structures, policies and ideology or macro-level. Where possible, specific examples were used to highlight how the authors are currently contributing to this agenda through work that is already underway and areas for development within the service. Originality/value As a commentary paper this discusses current practice and ideas for future practice but does not present original data.

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