Technology Use by Adults with Learning Disabilities: Past, Present and Future Design and Support Practices

Description

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. 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