Joanne Watson

Children with complex communication needs (CCN) are born with or acquire conditions that impact their physical, neurological, cognitive, or psychosocial ability to use speech effectively to meet th...

People with intellectual disability are often excluded from shaping research priorities in areas that directly affect their health, including obesity. This paper describes a co-design process used to develop a research agenda for a PhD program on obesity among adults with intellectual disability. Two Lived Experience Advisory Groups (LEAGs), comprising adults with intellectual disability and supporters, contributed through accessible, participatory activities and discussions and their insights were synthesised into a systems map of influences on weight and health behaviours. This paper describes how participatory qualitative approaches were used to co-design the research question and methods. The paper details how collaborative decision-making, accessibility and lived experience can shape the direction of research. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and value of co-designing research agendas alongside people with intellectual disability, highlighting research agenda setting as a rigorous participatory method that ensures future research is grounded in the priorities, experiences and expertise of those it aims to benefit.

During infection outbreaks people with intellectual disability face numerous challenges in accessing appropriate health information and guidance. This research sought to understand how information about infectious diseases was shared in Australian group homes, and what helps or hinders information access. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six residents and eight support workers during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021-2022), and observational tours of two residential group homes were also completed. Interviews and observations underwent thematic and content analysis. Findings centred around five key themes: (i) the COVID-19 context; (ii) living in an information soup; (iii) seeking information from trusted sources; (iv) sharing information with others; and (v) the value of tailored communication support. Our study found that information sharing about infectious diseases in disability group homes was multidirectional and drew on both formal and informal sources. Inclusive information sharing in these settings demands a coordinated and tailored approach.

Infectious disease outbreaks pose significant health risks and can exacerbate social inequalities for people with intellectual disabilities who live in group homes. Providing accessible information to these communities is crucial for managing these risks. This study, conducted during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia (2021–2022) aimed to: (1) identify communication priorities for group home residents with intellectual disabilities during an infectious disease outbreak, and (2) develop a comprehensive, scalable strategy for effective communication during future outbreaks. The study employed a mixed‐methods approach, including a scoping review of policies and academic literature; interviews with 6 group home residents, 10 support workers, and 2 disability accommodation managers; and observations in 2 group homes. Data were analysed collaboratively with project advisors, including disability sector representatives and community advocates. Additionally, a small e‐Delphi study (n = 8) produced consensus recommendations for future practice. The research resulted in 19 best‐practice guidelines to ensure inclusive and effective communication about infectious diseases in group home settings. Key drivers of success included capacity for accessible communication and supported decision‐making, relevant policies, workload and workforce considerations, effective collaboration, accountability, and quality assurance. People with intellectual disability who live in a group home have the right to be informed during infectious disease outbreaks and to exercise autonomy based on that information. Systemic changes and meaningful engagement with all stakeholders will be essential for more effective and inclusive health communication during future outbreak events.

Background Despite beneficial progress in policies, awareness and advocacy, accessibility gaps exist in public buildings in India. Challenges achieving full inclusivity still exist, due to a lack of clear guidance for implementing accessible solutions. Retrofitting older buildings, particularly in developing tier II cities is a major challenge. The authors of this paper aimed to address this issue using a four-round Delphi method to generate a Justice-Centered Best Practices (JCBPs) for accessibility provisions for individuals with mobility disabilities. Methods Conducted in Udupi, the study involved experts including administrators, policy implementers, auditors, advocates, healthcare professionals, individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. In the first round, a 117-item list was generated through triangulation of three methods. In subsequent rounds, experts rated each item using a 5-point Likert scale on feasibility, affordability and priority. Responses were considered valid if the agreement reached ≥80% on the total score. The prioritised list of JCBPs was finalised at a consensus meeting. Results Out of forty-eight experts who began the study, 16 participated in the final meeting. The Wilcoxon signed rank test (p value>0.05) of expert ranking indicated that the scoring of items remained consistent between the two rounds. A machine learning decision tree analysis identified items securing ≥ 80% agreement as the most reliable decision with an accuracy=71.43%. The McNemar’s Test p value=0.79 confirmed consistency of expert scoring on the items with high agreement rates. Conclusion Finally, 33 built and non-built environment items scored highest rank. Stakeholder engagement, use of low-cost technology solutions, coordination between public administrations, funding, good governance practice, awareness, and advocacy were few of the solutions that can help ensure accessibility is in place for individuals with mobility disabilities. The study methodology and findings create a robust foundation for evidence-based JCBPs for accessibility provisions for individuals with mobility disabilities.

Purpose To explore how principles of social justice and equity are integrated into research concerning accessibility to public buildings for individuals with mobility disabilities. Methods Utilising a scoping review methodology to assess literature based on the criteria set by the Joanna Briggs Institute, seven databases were screened. Studies were selected using the framework: “persons with mobility disabilities” AND “accessibility” AND “public buildings”. A theoretical framework helped to extract codes and develop themes through an inductive-deductive analysis method. The results are presented descriptively. Results The examination of 84 studies uncovered a complex interplay between agencies, systemic challenges, discriminatory practices, and societal attitudes perpetuating marginalisation of individuals with mobility disabilities in their access to public buildings. The recommendations emphasize importance of practical measures, research imperatives, and policy developments to promote inclusivity. We present a ‘Ten-step approach’ to integrate social justice and equity into research on accessibility in public buildings for people with mobility disabilities. Conclusion Integrating diversity, active participation, and inclusive methodologies are essential to address systemic issues, discriminatory practices, and societal attitudes that hinder accessibility and inclusion. Collaborations with diverse stakeholders are crucial for policy changes, resource allocation, and advancing social justice and equity in accessibility research and practice.

Purpose To explore how principles of social justice and equity are integrated into research concerning accessibility to public buildings for individuals with mobility disabilities. Methods Utilising a scoping review methodology to assess literature based on the criteria set by the Joanna Briggs Institute, seven databases were screened. Studies were selected using the framework: “persons with mobility disabilities” AND “accessibility” AND “public buildings”. A theoretical framework helped to extract codes and develop themes through an inductive-deductive analysis method. The results are presented descriptively. Results The examination of 84 studies uncovered a complex interplay between agencies, systemic challenges, discriminatory practices, and societal attitudes perpetuating marginalisation of individuals with mobility disabilities in their access to public buildings. The recommendations emphasize importance of practical measures, research imperatives, and policy developments to promote inclusivity. We present a ‘Ten-step approach’ to integrate social justice and equity into research on accessibility in public buildings for people with mobility disabilities. Conclusion Integrating diversity, active participation, and inclusive methodologies are essential to address systemic issues, discriminatory practices, and societal attitudes that hinder accessibility and inclusion. Collaborations with diverse stakeholders are crucial for policy changes, resource allocation, and advancing social justice and equity in accessibility research and practice.

Objective: To identify, examine, and map the characteristics of knowledge of nature-based design in stroke rehabilitation facilities, examine how research in this field has been conducted and identify gaps in knowledge. Background: Many stroke survivors have wide ranging impacts, resulting in long hospital stays to undertake rehabilitation. The physical environment can influence brain recovery; however, there is limited evidence to support the design of effective rehabilitation environments. Conversely, the health benefits available from connection with nature are well established. A nature-based design approach may have benefits and implications for the physical environment of inpatient stroke rehabilitation facilities; however, it is unclear what evidence exists in this field. Method: This scoping review followed the JBI methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews, with systematic searches of six databases. Results: Twenty-eight studies were included in the review. Aims and research methods varied widely. Investigations in 19 studies related to gardens and other designed outdoor nature-based environments. Other studies explored natural analogues, nature inside, inside/outside connections, and the natural environment. Findings from the studies were spread across the fields of design, use, exposure to, and engagement in nature-based environments. Conclusion: The characteristics of knowledge underpinning nature-based design in stroke rehabilitation environments are highly diverse, and significant gaps exist in the evidence base. A framework developed during this review for mapping knowledge on the intentions and impacts for spaces and services in this field assisted to identify these gaps and may be applied to other areas of healthcare design research.