This article compares the composition and characteristics of the social networks of 14 people with learning disabilities with those of 24 of their paid support staff. In doing so the article not only establishes the differences in the diversity, durability and density of each group's social set, but highlights the disparity in perspective that the service users and the support staff have about their shared relationships. This is followed by a sociological discussion of why those with learning disabilities perceive their support staff as friends, while the support staff seldom consider the service users in this way, preferring to view themselves as facilitators to these individuals’ friendships. The article concludes by discussing the consequences of the staff and service users’ differing perspectives about their relationships, in terms of the tensions it generates in staff about their caring role and the effect it may have upon those with learning disabilities’ broader social inclusion.
Summary
There has been considerable debate regarding whether people with a learning disability should be encouraged to develop friendships with disabled or nondisabled people and what influence this might have on their sense of identity. It is also increasingly recognized that the Personal Home Page is a useful tool for making contact with potential friends and for managing identity. This paper explores the extent to which people with Down's syndrome are using Personal Home Pages to make and maintain friendships and, thus, say something about the self‐image they wish to portray. The Personal Home Pages of five Internet Service Providers were sampled and 16 Personal Home Pages of adults with Down's syndrome were found that referred in some way to friendships. A thematic analysis of these pages indicated that the authors could be attempting to present an image of themselves as someone who is capable of having friends. Analysis of the guest‐book messages also revealed that the readers of the Home Pages were responding to these attempts at initiating a relationship. Further work needs to be done to develop the sampling methodology in order to enable further exploration of what influences the publication of these Home Pages.
Audit findings relating to the suitability of equipment installed in 17 specially designed community houses for adults with learning disabilities, revealed that equipment designed to enable maximum engagement in domestic tasks was not being used by the individuals for whom it was provided. This article explores the possible reasons for the non-use of this equipment in the light of current literature. Equipment design, client ability, support staff involvement and occupational therapy principles and practice are identified as primary contributory factors. Suggestions for improving ‘equipment fit’ to this client group are made.
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