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Facilitating Friendships for People with Learning Disabilities
Author(s) -
Touze Sue,
Pahl Jan
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
journal of the british institute of mental handicap (apex)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.633
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1468-3156
pISSN - 0261-9997
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-3156.1992.tb00678.x
Subject(s) - accommodation , social work , public relations , service provider , service (business) , learning disability , psychology , social psychology , internet privacy , business , marketing , developmental psychology , economic growth , political science , computer science , neuroscience , economics
People with learning disabilities who move out of institutions often remain grouped together, stranded in communities of their own; ordinary social networks can be largely inaccessible to them. In this study of consumer satisfaction with services, people were invited to assess their own lives in terms of their day time occupation, accommodation, leisure, social contacts and the use of services. The main areas of dissatisfaction concerned leisure pursuits and social relationships. A lack of friends and difficulties about going out, often due to a lack of transport, were problems for many people. It seems that service providers do not always take account of social relationships or give them a high enough priority. It was concluded that social skills as well as work skills should be given more attention. In promoting the improvement of people's social lives it is important to consult individuals about what they want. Strategies are suggested for service providers interested in improving social networks.