Flynn, Samantha, Caton, Sue, Gillooly, Amanda, Bradshaw, Jill, Hastings, Richard P., Hatton, Chris, Jahoda, Andrew, Mulhall, Peter, Todd, Stuart, Beyer, Stephen and Taggart, Laurence (2021) The experiences of adults with learning disabilities in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic : qualitative results from Wave 1 of the Coronavirus and people with learning disabilities study. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 26 (4). pp. 224-229. doi:10.1108/TLDR-09-2021-0027 ISSN 1359-5474.
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Abstract
Purpose: This paper presents data about the experiences of adults with learning disabilities during the COVID- 19 pandemic across the UK. Methodology: Interviews were conducted with 609 adults with learning disabilities. Family carers and support staff of another 351 adults with learning disabilities completed a proxy online survey. The data were collected between December 2020 and February 2021 and concerned both worries/negatives and anything positive that had happened because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings: Social isolation was the most commonly reported worry/negative for adults with learning disabilities, with other frequently reported worries/negatives including: changes to/loss of routine; loss of support, clubs, or services; decreased health, wellbeing, or fitness; and, worries about themselves or other people getting COVID-19. A large proportion of participants indicated that nothing positive had happened because of COVID-19, but for participants who did report a positive, this most commonly included: digital inclusion; more time spent with important people; improved health; wellbeing, and fitness; and, a slower pace of life.
Implications: Future pandemic planning must ensure that adults with learning disabilities are supported to maintain social contact with the people who matter to them, and to support their health and wellbeing (including maintaining access to essential services and activities). Some adults with learning disabilities may benefit from additional support to improve their digital confidence and access. This may in turn enable them to maintain contact with family, friends, and support services/activities.
Originality: This is the largest study about the experiences of adults with learning disabilities during the COVID- 19 pandemic in the UK. We primarily collected data directly from adults with learning disabilities, and worked with partner organisations of people with learning disabilities throughout the study.
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HM Sociology P Language and Literature > P Philology. Linguistics R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine R Medicine > RC Internal medicine T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Social Sciences > Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research (CEDAR) |
| Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- -- Great Britain, COVID-19 (Disease) , COVID-19 (Disease) -- Health aspects , COVID-19 (Disease) -- Social aspects, Learning disabilities , Learning disabilities -- Health aspects, Learning disabilities -- Social aspects, Social isolation -- Psychological aspects, Digital communications , Communication and technology |
| Journal or Publication Title: | Tizard Learning Disability Review |
| Publisher: | Emerald Publishing Limited |
| ISSN: | 1359-5474 |
| Official Date: | 2021 |
| Dates: | Date Event 2021 Published 27 October 2021 Available 11 September 2021 Accepted |
| Volume: | 26 |
| Number: | 4 |
| Page Range: | pp. 224-229 |
| DOI: | 10.1108/TLDR-09-2021-0027 |
| Status: | Peer Reviewed |
| Publication Status: | Published |
| Re-use Statement: | Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited. This AAM is provided for your own personal use only. It may not be used for resale, reprinting, systematic distribution, emailing, or for any other commercial purpose without the permission of the publisher. |
| Access rights to Published version: | Restricted or Subscription Access |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited |
| Date of first compliant deposit: | 21 October 2021 |
| Date of first compliant Open Access: | 10 November 2021 |
| RIOXX Funder/Project Grant: | Project/Grant ID RIOXX Funder Name Funder ID |
| Related URLs: | |
| Contributors: | Contribution Name Contributor ID Research Group The Coronavirus and people with learning disabilities Study Team UNSPECIFIED |
| URI: | https://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/159433/ |
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