Answered Questions is a monthly resource for the Spanish language Disability Community that fills an information need. Each month, we look through the searches on our blog and through the information requests made by our patrons who speak Spanish and pick a topic that fills the largest need. Each resource mentioned below is associated with this month’s information need. We search the various Spanish language news sources and feeds throughout the month to bring you these articles. With the exception of the NIDRR Projects and Further Investigation, all the linked articles and resources are in Spanish – any that are in English will be clearly marked. This month’s question is: What tools and programs are available for people with intellectual disabilities to stay healthy, learn, be included, and live life to the fullest? This edition of Answered Questions includes items on inclusion, internet safety, games for young and old, documentaries on people with intellectual disabilities and artists, employment, sex education, and health promotion.
NIDRR Projects:
Partnering with People with Intellectual Disabilities to Address Violence (Project Number: H133G130219) (In English).
Research suggests that people with intellectual disabilities (ID) may be up to 10 times as likely to be victimized as a person without ID and people with ID are at a high risk of experiencing some form of abuse (physical, sexual, psychological, and disability related). Community based domestic violence and sexual assault victim programs do not often address disability related abuse nor do they offer accessible services for people with disabilities. This NIDRR funded project is conducting a randomized, controlled evaluation of A Safety Awareness Program for Men and Women with Intellectual Disabilities (ASAP), an interpersonal violence (IPV) group prevention program that is designed to meet the unique needs for people with disabilities. ASAP consists of eight weekly sessions that provide information on topics such as self-advocacy, self-care, nature and dynamics of IVP, safety planning strategies, community resources, and healthy relationships and that include interactive activities to enhance self-efficacy and safety related resources.
Research:
Predictors of access to sex education for children with intellectual disabilities in public schools (NIDRR; NARIC Accession Number: J68810) (In English).
This article describes a study that analyzed data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 to identify variables that predicted whether or not people with intellectual disability (ID) received sex education in public schools across the US. The results from the study suggest that people without ID that received special education services were slightly more likely to receive sex education than students with mild ID. The study results also suggest that the percentage of students with moderate to profound ID that received sex education was significantly lower. The results are discussed in terms of ensuring equal access to sex education for students with ID in public schools.
Technology:
An innovative project boosts the safe usage of new technologies by people with intellectual disabilities (Discapnet)
The safe use of new technologies is a preoccupation for those who care for and work with people with intellectual disabilities. At this time it is difficult to find accessible materials to educate people with intellectual disabilities on such topics as responsible use of the Internet, social websites, smartphones, identity theft, and protecting personal information. PantallasAmigas, the Down Syndrome Foundation of Madrid, Federation of Organizations, and FEAPS Madrid have jointly developed an animation that includes four pieces of advice that are then expanded upon. This animation and any other materials developed by the organizations involved will be included in each organization’s website and in PantallasAmigas YouTube channel.
Rehabilitation:
A videogame is created for people with intellectual disabilities (RPP Noticias)
CIPO and the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) have created a videogame to help maximize the cognitive and motor capacities, as well as physical and emotional well-being, of people with intellectual disabilities. The videogame is played solely with body movements and is geared towards different intellectual disabilities.
Education:
Education for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and related disabilities (CIRRIE)
This article describes the ample focus aimed at the education of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the wide spectrum and variety of functioning between people with similar disabilities. The article discusses the need to educate people with IDD so that their opportunities in the community increase. These opportunities can be limited by the lifestyle of the family, social conditions, or can result from public policies that are restrictive or limiting. The article discusses how education can help people with IDD in gaining basic social skills, adult activities, experience needed for employment, and interactions between an individual and society. The article also discusses social and community education, interactive technology and the Internet, recreation, and employment. The article provides web based resources and references.
Employment:
Interactive E-Learning to Promote Successful Postsecondary Employment Outcomes for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (Project Number: H133S140039) (In English).
This NIDRR funded project is developing a self-paced, adaptive job skills intervention called Web-based Occupational Resource Kit (W.O.R.K) that has been designed to specifically meet the social-emotional needs and learning styles of students with intellectual disabilities. This intervention provides support, instruction, and interactive exercises that are based on individual needs so as to promote the development of essential skills of students with intellectual disabilities in relation to employment, self-determination, and advocacy. Through the development and use of W.O.R.K., students with intellectual disabilities are supported in achieving and maintaining employment.
Human Interest:
Paul Pineda, the actor with Down syndrome, shares his desire to excel (epsocial)
The actor Pablo Pineda, the first European diplomat with Down Syndrome and winner of the Concha de Plata prize for the movie “Me, Too”, has led a conference at the Cajamar Cultural Center. During his presentation, Mr. Pineda asked those present that they “open their eyes to disability” and “discover all that people with disabilities provide to society and to business.”
“From silence to a word,” an interesting focus on intellectual disability (FEAPS)
Susanna Barranco is a Catalan director, actor, and poet, whose son, Jonc, is a four year old with an intellectual disability. Ms. Barranco directed the documentary “Jonc’s Silence”, which deals with the day to day lives of Jonc and other people with intellectual disabilities. The movie includes their relationships with their families, school, work, and friends. The documentary is part of a series of workshops. Here is a clip of the documentary.
Resources:
- Spain – Examples of games and toys for children with intellectual disabilities (Discapnet) provides a list of toys and games for children with intellectual disabilities that helps strengthen their muscle tone, encourages their speech, and encourages their writing skills.
- Spain – Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities (CERMI) is a detailed guide that includes information on the educational system in Spain; public administrative resources in education, social services and other support services; private education resources; and references
- Mexico – The Mexican Confederation of Organizations in Favor of People with Intellectual Disabilities, A.C. (CONFE) is a national network of 114 associations with one objective: be a factor in the improvement of the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities and their families and their integration into society. CONFE provides people with intellectual disabilities resources and support that are age appropriate.
Further Research:
