bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A COMMUNICATION SKILLS GROUP
Authors: Furst Lena , Ware Jane
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY: Although mentally handicapped residents are usually trained in social skills before they live in the community, the need for communication skills may often be neglected, and there seems to be little in the literature on the subject. The establishment and progress of a communication skills group with mildly mentally handicapped residents is described, and the problems of running such a group are discussed.
Communication and language in mental handicap. 1. Meaningful terms: an introduction to some terms and concepts used in the study of communication and language
Authors: Bell Ian
Published: August 2010

In the literature on linguistics, language acquisition, and disordered language there is much confusion in the use of terminology (Lyons, 1970; Sheridan, 1972; Crystal, 1980, 1982a). Even basic terms which have quite distinct meanings are often used interchangeably, seriously hindering staff whose job it is to meet the needs of people who have problems with language. As Crystal (1976) states, terms should be clearly defined and consistently used.

This article explores the meanings of certain key terms in the hope that they will be better understood, and more consistently used, by staff working with mentally handicapped people. It also indicates some important aspects of language, paving the way for a discussion of the language curriculum in subsequent articles.
Communication and language in mental handicap
Authors: Bell Ian
Published: August 2010

At a recent course for teachers of children with severe learning difficulties* dissatisfaction with current attempts to assist their development of communication and language skills was expressed. It was suggested that a comprehensive communication and language curriculum would help improve matters, by providing guidance in the planning of individual programmes. The development of such a curriculum, however, was seen as an extremely complex and difficult task, and there were even doubts as to whether it was feasible at all. This article, and the next in the series, presents and develops some of the ideas raised during the course.
Generalisation and maintenance of ward programmes: some thoughts on organisational factors
Authors: Partridge Karen , Chisholm Neil , Levy Brian
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. The article indicates the problems of implementing behavioural programmes in hospital settings. Results of a room management study indicate initial increased resident engagement and positive staff interactions across three experimental conditions but closer inspection of the results highlights difficulties of maintenance and generalisation. A second study investigates organisational factors that may affect the results of ward programmes. The discussion concludes that a clarification of aims is needed if the problems are to be overcome.
Resettlement in the community: the Priory Court development
Authors: Walters Ruth M.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. In Avon the district health authorities provide over 1,300 beds for residential care of people with mental handicaps. Government policy is for hospital residents who do not need medical and nursing care to be discharged into community facilities. This paper describes Priory Court, a warden supervised campus development, and its occupants. The role of the consultant psychiatrist in rehabilitation and resettlement is discussed.
THE ORFORD ROAD RESIDENTIAL TRAINING UNIT
Authors: Rosen Alison C.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. This paper outlines developments over a 6½‐year period with regard to the setting up and running of a pair of training houses where relatively able adults with mental handicaps receive supervised training to enable them to live independently or semi‐independently in “ordinary housing”. Changes are noted in the type of person seeking admission to the Unit and the implications of this are discussed. Considerable emphasis is placed on the cooperative and interdependent roles of the Health Service, Social Services, and the local MENCAP in contributing to the success of the Unit.
Using music in mental handicap
Authors: Oldfield Amelia , Parry Carol
Published: August 2010

The work of the Speech Therapy and Music Therapy Departments of Ida Darwin Hospital is briefly described, and the links and differences between these departments and some of the paramedical professions are examined. Techniques used by the speech therapist and the music therapist to help develop communication and speech are described, in the categories: prelinguistic skills; vocalisation; and articulation and intonation. Several techniques are described in each category and a few specific examples are given.
Interviewing people at risk
Authors: Hewitt Stanley E. K.
Published: August 2010

An overview of those parts of the Codes of Practice issued by the Home Secretary under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, 1984 which apply to people who are mentally handicapped, with particular reference to the role of “the appropriate” person present during police interviews.
Calculating staffing levels using the DTMH Assessment— A NOTE OF CAUTION
Authors: Matthews Shane , Staite Sue
Published: August 2010

The Psychology Department of Southmead Health Authority has completed a register of its mental handicap unit population for two years. The Wessex Mental Handicap Assessment (used in 1983) and the Development Team for the Mentally Handicapped (DTMH) Assessment (used in 1984) have provided a wide range of information useful to and requested by people working within the respective hospitals and hostels. The register has identified need and played a role in future planning. The use of a micro computer has made its information easily accessible.

While it is appreciated that a large scale survey can only produce results of uncertain accuracy, it is considered that the Behavioural problem questions in the DTMH Assessment are not comprehensive enough. People with problems that might broadly be called “psychiatric” are not identified, which consequently underestimates the amount of staff support needed. A possible modification is suggested which could help to overcome this.
Sexual, social, and emotional development in people with Down's syndrome*
Authors: Craft Ann
Published: August 2010

This article reviews the literature concerning the sexual development of people with Down's syndrome and considers the interplay of factors affecting their social and emotional development. The need for appropriate sociosexual education and training is discussed.
Working with adults in the community: the role of the senior clinical medical officer in mental handicap
Authors: Carey Gwyneth E.
Published: August 2010

The work of the senior clinical medical officer in mental handicap is described with reference to the All‐Wales Strategy and, in particular, to the principle of normalisation.
THE PRIVATE SECTOR: Just landladies or carers?
Authors: Ferrity Barbara J. , Ford Deidre J. , Bratt Andrew D.
Published: August 2010

The authors describe how the community mental handicap team of which they are members works with the “private sector”. They believe that by giving prospective private carers good information and thorough vetting before placements are made, and then subsequently supporting clients and carer, a good quality of life can be achieved.
Pre‐school children with special needs and their families: increased community experiences through playgroups and mother and toddler groups
Authors: Wilson Veronica
Published: August 2010

South Glamorgan Pre‐school Playgroups Association Referral Scheme was established to increase opportunities for community involvement for families of children with special needs following a two year feasibility study involving consultation with parents, the groups, and statutory and voluntary organisations. The Scheme provides information and support to families, and introductions to groups which it supports with volunteer helpers, advice, training, and equipment. By October 1984, 66 referrals had resulted in 22 places and another 21 families were receiving support.
THE WHOLE CHILD: achieving a balanced curriculum for secondary age pupils with severe learning difficulties
Authors: Sillitoe Pippa
Published: August 2010

Central to the educational needs and development of any pupil with severe learning difficulties should be the procedure of assessment, programme planning, recording, and evaluation.

Part 1 of this paper, published in the last issue of Mental Handicap, detailed the methodology of educational priority teaching which exists at Melland School.

This second part will outline the programme of structured opportunities for leisure and broach the important issue of planning for and teaching skill generalisation.

Taking both parts together, the paper shows how, through widely differing activity content, the needs of the “whole child” are being met.
Helping people with mental handicaps cope with bereavement:
Authors: Kitching Nicola
Published: August 2010

This article describes the delayed grief reaction of a woman with mental handicap to her mother's death. It illustrates how “guided mourning” can be successful in helping people with mental handicaps to resolve their grief, and it highlights their bereavement needs, especially their capacity and their right to grieve. When people who are mentally handicapped have lost someone close, society's traditional reaction has been to conceal the facts from them and to ignore the possibility that they may grieve. Some of the reasons for this are reviewed. The last two sections look at the emerging recognition of the impact loss can have on people who are handicapped, and suggest ways of helping to alleviate their distress.
Premenstrual tension and behaviour problems
Authors: Jain Ashok Kumar , Arya Raj Pal
Published: August 2010

This prospective study examined the role of premenstrual tension in producing behavioural problems in menstruating women with mental handicaps in two hospital settings. Clinical evaluation and hormonal studies were undertaken for two years, helped by the Mersey Research Grant Scheme.

The main findings were that 11 women out of a random sample of 40 (27.5 per cent) showed a behaviour change for the worse clinically just prior to menstruation, in addition to having physical symptomatology and hormonal abnormalities highly suggestive of premenstrual tension.

The findings and implications in care and management of such behaviour problems are discussed.
STAFF BURNOUT: a single case study
Authors: Hegarty John R.
Published: August 2010

Most people, at some time, experience feelings of frustration and disillusionment about their work. Sometimes, however, these feelings persist and lead to emotional exhaustion or breakdown. “Burnout” is a term which powerfully describes such extreme reactions.

This paper tells of the experiences of Mary, who led a therapy unit for adults with profound handicaps for nearly three years. During this time she became so emotionally depleted that she left her job and needed to enter psychotherapy. There are important lessons both for direct care staff and management in the story of “Mary's burnout”.
Treating dog phobia in residents of a large mental handicap hospital: A POSSIBLE BRIEF APPROACH
Authors: Bryon Mandy , Weston Clifton D.
Published: August 2010

The use of live modelling was found to be effective as a brief method of reducing institutionalised residents' fear of dogs. The results for a group of four people with mild to moderate mental handicaps are presented, together with a full discussion.
Use of computer for reality‐orientation in a man with cognitive deficits
Authors: Mathew George
Published: August 2010

In selected people with brain damage, the computer can be used with advantage to aid their orientation in relation to time and space, and for recall of significant recent events. A program was written, which enabled the man described below to use a computer as an electronic diary.
IDENTIFYING PEOPLE SUITABLE FOR RESETTLEMENT INTO COMMUNITY FACILITIES: OBSERVATIONS ON THE USE OF THE DTMH ASSESSMENT SYSTEM
Authors: Bennett Chris , Metcalf Mike
Published: August 2010

57 people living in two mental handicap hospitals were selected for a resettlement project using the DTMH Assessment. Difficulties were encountered in using that assessment system for this purpose. The classifications were unstable and there were problems of reliability and generalisation.

The exclusive use of the DTMH Assessment for planning purposes may encourage inappropriate discrimination when considering people for resettlement. It is suggested that all people living in mental handicap hospitals should have their resettlement needs assessed individually, and that long‐term plans should only be made on the basis of such knowledge.

The implications for future policy and funding are discussed.
The views of parents and carers: 2. Working with others
Authors: Swain John , Eagle Paul
Published: August 2010

Two meetings for parents and carers of people with mental handicaps were held in order to assist in the development of the new Open University course P555 Mental Handicap: Patterns for Living. The aim was to record parents' and carers' views on a variety of issues.

This is the second of two articles which highlight some of the main points discussed at the meetings and report participants' views in their own words. It focuses on parents' relationships with carers and professionals, and looks at their expectations and the barriers they face. Some attitudes and approaches that parents have found helpful in establishing and maintaining effective relationships and “working with others” are listed.

The article ends with notes on some of the lessons learned about running discussion groups.
Making the curriculum relevant for students with severe mental handicaps in integrated secondary schools
Authors: Gregory Susan P. , Singer Anne Louise T.
Published: August 2010

Increasingly, students with special educational needs, even those with severe mental handicaps, are being integrated into ordinary schools. Professionals in the field are evaluating not only the placement of these students in integrated settings but also the quality of the education they are receiving.

There appears to be a consensus of opinion that the education of students with severe mental handicaps should help them to develop skills which they can use in a variety of community settings. For the adolescents and young adults in this population it is critical that their educational programmes be directly related to purposeful activities.

This paper outlines the development of an approach towards achieving functional educational goals for these students and illustrates how this has been implemented in one programme where young adults with severe mental handicaps attend an integrated secondary school.
ORGANISING AN EDY WORKSHOP: the role of the instructor
Authors: Fitzmaurice Ann
Published: August 2010

EDY is a training package concerned with an objectives approach to teaching pupils with severe learning difficulties. The role of the EDY instructor is crucial if trainees are to acquire a broad and generalised understanding of the principles involved. A well‐organised course, led by an instructor who has in‐depth appreciation and practical experience of using EDY, ensures that trainees will be aware of the benefits, possibilities, and support the system offers.
Sterilisation for girls and women with mental handicaps: SOME ETHICAL AND MORAL CONSIDERATIONS
Authors: Roy Meera , Roy Ashok
Published: August 2010

The issues that come into play when young women and girls with mental handicaps are referred for sterilisation are discussed in the light of ethical arguments. The story of sterilisation is traced over the century. An attempt is made to understand the evolution of the legal aspects of sterilisation, from a rather paternalistic/eugenic standpoint in the early 1900's to a more humanistic one in the present day, as evidenced in contemporary court decisions. A comprehensive system of analysing the various components of sterilisation referral is suggested.
The role of “augmented mothering” in teacher education in special needs
Authors: Miller Linda , Ephraim Garry
Published: August 2010

The article describes the use of “augmented mothering”, a transactional approach to working with people who have profound and complex learning difficulties. First year students in the School of Education at Hatfield Polytechnic, following an initial teacher education course in “The Education of Children with Special Needs”, were involved in using the approach within experimental workshops in a hospital school setting. The students' evaluation of the workshops suggests they may have a useful contribution to make in the training of staff involved in working with people with such learning difficulties.
My life
Authors: Hearn Pat , Knott Lynda
Published: August 2010

Spilsby Road Centre was very fortunate during the winter of 1987 to be given a computer: a BBC ‘B’ with many extras, including a printer, concept keyboard, micro‐mike, turtle, AMX Mono, and a selection of software. When it arrived almost everyone was excited at the prospect of using a computer for the first time and curious to find out what it could do.

A group of staff and students soon became confident in use of the computer, and gradually the circle of knowledge widened. Pat Hearn, a 24‐year‐old student who has been labelled since childhood as having a severe mental disability and being “difficult”, was initially uninterested. One day, however, Pat was watching two students (hindered by myself) using the AMX art package and mouse, and producing some rather uninspired art work. After watching for some time, and with much encouragement, Pat eventually “had a go” herself and produced the Centre's first piece of “computer art”.

Pat's confidence in the use of the computer gradually increased from then on and several people have since noticed that her general self‐confidence has increased also. It seems that for the first time Pat had found something she could do successfully on her own. She rapidly mastered the keyboard and soon learned how to plug in, switch on, insert a disc, and load the programme. This was when my problems started: how was I to share out computer time, giving everyone a fair chance?

After doing some highly complicated mathematics with the number of students and the amount of teaching time, I worked out that each student would be able to spend only 20 minutes each week using the computer. Obviously this was not enough, so a Computer Club was formed enabling a small group of students, including Pat, to snatch extra computer time during lunch breaks. This has been a great success.

Soon after the Computer Club started an Edword was fitted, (a simple word processing package). One young man wanted to do an up‐to‐date Top 40 to put on the notice board each week. Pat watched, fascinated, while I worked with him — deleting and inserting words, moving text around the page, and finally printing it out. She then surprised me by saying, “Can I use that? I want to write a book for my little sister”.

In no time at all Pat was proficient in the use of Edword. The delighted expression on her face is a joy to watch when she deletes a mistake or corrects an error. She still needs a little help with grammar, but her spelling and punctuation has improved tremendously; I think because she can now see a word, know that it is wrong, and try innumerable variations until it looks right without having a page full of untidy‐looking crossings‐out. The fact that a perfect print‐out is possible has been the major motivation for Pat to persevere and succeed in an area where before she had only experienced failure.
Perils of “pseudo‐normalisation”
Authors: Jackson Robin N.
Published: August 2010

This article draws attention to a number of factors that threaten the quality of life for children, young people, and adults with mental handicaps. First, there is a risk that ideologists will assume too great an influence in shaping policy, provision, and practice. Second, without the introduction of better conceived and more extensive professional training for front‐line staff and administrators, current deficiencies in the delivery of mental handicap services are unlikely to be remedied. Third, the rush towards community care is likely to set back the very considerable advances that have been made in the field of rehabilitation over the last twenty years.
SEX EDUCATION: WHO NEEDS IT?
Authors: Stevens Sheila , Evered Chris , O'Brien Richard , Wallace Edna
Published: August 2010

The recent trend towards the introduction of sex education in schools, day centres, and residential homes for people with mental handicaps has created the need for a change in attitude towards an issue that individuals hold deeply personal. This article describes how, in order to facilitate this transition, a multidisciplinary team set up a series of lectures, workshops, and discussion groups. It sets out the main aims of the team's work, which were: to get people to examine their own attitudes towards sexuality and mental handicap; to dispel and clarify existing myths; and to provide information about what sex education is all about.

The article shows how the presentation of case histories, the use of role play and role reversal, and small group work not only enabled discussion to be opened up but helped to clarify issues, bring about a consensus of opinion, and offer an avenue of support to parents and professionals who had felt isolated in their attempts to deal with the growing independence of their children or clients.
Assessment for residential placement: PROGRAMME AND PLACEMENT DECISIONS ARE NOT THE SAME
Authors: Haller Otto , Lefaivre Debi
Published: August 2010

A community operated residential services programme designed an assessment service for placing adults with mental handicaps in least restrictive residential environments. The goal of the service was to provide valid, reliable, and comprehensive assessments for residential placement and programme decision making. To ensure validity, all assessments were to be carried out in a community‐based group home.

After 29 assessments and 27 months of operation the assessment home closed its doors. It appears that placement decisions did not depend on people's personal characteristics as much as anticipated. The focus of assessment should change from assessing people's generic characteristics, such as skills or aptitude, to assessing aspects of the environment of the receiving placement.
When all is not what it seems: the normalising of life by parents of people with mental handicaps
Authors: Skone Jon
Published: August 2010

This paper draws on the findings of an MSc research thesis which investigated the effects on the lives of 30 families living in West Glamorgan of the presence of a family member with a mental handicap.

The parents who were interviewed had offspring ranging from school aged to adult.

The idea is explored that the parents, whilst presenting an outwardly “normal” image are, in reality, experiencing a life that is far from normal, and that the outward presentation of “normality” is a result of a process of stigmatisation. The paper concludes by describing the implications of this for the way in which professionals provide support to such families.
BEHAVIOURAL TEACHING STRATEGIES for people with severe and profound mental handicaps: A RE‐EXAMINATION
Authors: Ager Alastair
Published: August 2010

This paper argues for a re‐examination of the understanding of behavioural teaching strategies used by staff working with people with severe and profound mental handicaps. Consideration of the fundamental principles underlying such strategies can foster a flexible approach whereby staff can profitably accommodate the findings of research into learning difficulty into their teaching methods. Further, and perhaps more importantly, such an approach also allows people to integrate their understanding of behavioural methods with their other skills and experiences, both as teachers and learners.
VIDEO ASSISTED LEARNING for adults with mental handicaps
Authors: Donkersley Michael , Thorpe Margaret
Published: August 2010

This article reviews the way that video equipment was used to help train four adults living in a mental handicap hospital who had been chosen as potential candidates for a group home.

It describes the idea of video as a teaching aid, the training areas, and how video recordings were used to assist the learning process. It offers further ideas for the use of video in the group home, discusses the use of video as an analytic tool, and concludes by summarising the advantages of video as a teaching aid.
The Myrtle Cottage Project: testing resettlement groupings
Authors: Carpenter Peter K. , Axson Dorothy M.
Published: August 2010

A small flat in the grounds of a hospital was used to look at possible groupings of hospital residents, as a stage in planning their resettlement. Almost all of the residents stayed for 10 days in the flat. The exercise helped to crystallise plans, was enjoyed by most of the residents, and boosted staff morale.
Meeting the needs of older people with mental handicaps
Authors: Cheseldine Sally
Published: August 2010

Service providers are starting to look at the needs of older people with mental handicaps, at both national and local levels. This article describes developments over a period of two‐and‐a‐half years in which links were developed between Age Concern, a community mental handicap team, and other community resources.
Incidence and efficiency of different classroom organisational strategies in classes for children with severe learning difficulties
Authors: Coburn Bob
Published: August 2010

This paper forms part of a larger investigation which has attempted to provide information about the effectiveness of various organisational strategies employed by teachers of children with severe learning difficulties and the degree of pupil concentration within the different settings.
Groupwork with people who have mental handicaps …
Authors: Cole Angela
Published: August 2010

Groupwork is a method of working which is not widely used with people who have mental handicaps, although the few available reports of its use indicate that it is an applicable approach.

This article highlights some of the potential benefits that groupwork can offer. It examines why groupwork is not in more common usage, and concludes that scepticism, based upon low expectations of people with mental handicaps, is a significant factor.
GROUPWORK ON “LIFE EVENTS AND SEXUALITY”
Authors: Marler Richard , Carroll–Williams Barbara
Published: August 2010

The twin concepts of normalisation (Wolfensberger, 1972) and care in the community (DHSS, 1981) have been the spurs to increased opportunities being given to people with mental handicaps to learn about sexuality. Too often these opportunities are provided as part of personal hygiene programmes or are based on child‐oriented materials. Little thought has yet been given to developing appropriate models of teaching which offer an all‐round approach, are geared to adults, take into account people's special learning difficulties, and put sexuality in the context of relationships, growing up, and other life events.

This is the report of a multidisciplinary approach to help prepare some adults with mental handicaps, residing in a Chichester mental handicap hospital, for life in the community. Emphasis was placed on looking at sexuality and relationships in the context of life events.
Prescribing practice in a mental handicap hospital: 2 — PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION FROM 1978–87
Authors: Lynch S.P.J.
Published: August 2010

As described in a previous article (Lynch, 1989) prescription sheets and case notes of people resident in a mental handicap hospital on 31st March 1978 and 31st March 1987 were analysed to identify changes in prescribing patterns of psychotropic medication. The number of people on regular neuroleptics (major tranquillisers used in the treatment of psychoses) increased, but those on regular benzodiazepines (minor tranquillisers used to alleviate anxiety) did not change greatly over the period. The type of drug used in each class did alter. In the first class thioridazine and chlorpromazine were prescribed more often by 1987, and several newer benzodiazepines were prescribed, such as temazepam to replace flurazepam. The number of people on more than one drug did not alter greatly.
One‐year continence project for people with mental handicaps
Authors: Buchan Linda , Chow Susanna , Stoddart Ailsa
Published: August 2010

People with mental handicaps often have difficulty managing their toileting needs. This project looked at implementation of behavioural training programmes to improve the continence skills of people living in the community. Fifty‐three adults and children participated between March 1986 and March 1987. Four achieved complete continence. Twenty‐four showed improvement. The cost effectiveness of the project is presented.
Innovations in care for children with mental handicaps
Authors: Bose Ruchira
Published: August 2010

Due to the trend towards caring for children with mental and/or physical handicaps at home, and as a result of several research projects which have emphasised the difficult, ongoing, and tiring jobs faced by their families, the last decade has seen a greater emphasis on community provision. This study evaluates one community care scheme, namely the Canterbury and Thanet Link Family Scheme, which aims to provide parents with a much needed break from the difficulties experienced in caring for their children with mental and/or physical handicaps. Preliminary findings suggest than the main carers in families who use the scheme experience less stress than those who do not. The findings are discussed and suggestions for further analysis are made.
QUALITY MATTERS: 2. “From the inside looking out”
Authors: Abbott Kerry , James Judy , Howell Hilary
Published: August 2010

This article, the second in a four‐part series, presents how one health authority has begun to tackle the issue of monitoring the quality of residential services to people with mental handicaps. It describes the factors that led to interest and research in monitoring in Bath District Health Authority, and outlines the steps through which a small working party went in its struggle to design one method of monitoring.
Respite care services for adults with mental handicaps
Authors: Mitchell Fraser
Published: August 2010

A survey of all informal carers of adults with mental handicaps in the Monklands District of Scotland was carried out to establish the usage and demand for respite care services from parents and carers.

The survey provided a profile of 82 “main carers” who replied to a postal questionnaire. Most of them had used no formal or informal respite care services during the previous year. Most stated that their needs for respite were unmet.
“Getting in touch with the Joneses”: a strategy for monitoring a community based service for people with mental handicaps
Authors: Howell Hilary , Abbott Kerry , James Judy
Published: August 2010

In order to provide services which will enhance the image of service users and promote opportunities for them to develop, it is necessary to evaluate what is provided in relation to these high aims. This paper describes the attempts of some people in Bath District Health Authority to create a monitoring process for doing this. The previous article in this series (Abbott, Howell, and James, 1990) outlined the many issues involved in this process. This article describes in detail the method which evolved. The benefits and limitations of the approach are discussed.
SEVERE SELF‐INJURIOUS BEHAVIOUR: some of the challenges it presents
Authors: Emerson Eric
Published: August 2010

Approximately one quarter of a million European citizens who have mental handicaps also show severe self‐injurious behaviours. The consequences of such behaviour can include secondary infections, physical malformation, the acquisition of additional sensory or neurological impairments, and even death. Severe self‐injury can also lead to people being excluded, neglected, and abused. If services are successfully to face up to the challenge presented by severe self‐injury, they will need to develop ways of accurately identifying and responding to people's unique needs.
Knowledge of and attitudes towards people with mental handicaps: AN INVESTIGATION OF RGN STUDENTS
Authors: Barr Owen
Published: August 2010

The respondents for this study were 57 second‐ and third‐year students in Registered General Nurse (RGN) training.

Results showed that the students had inaccurate knowledge of people with mental handicaps, underestimating their abilities and problems. Although the attitudes expressed were mostly positive, students' attitudes towards several crucial issues were undecided, namely aggression, sexuality, normality, and independence.

These results are only true for the students surveyed, and they cannot be generalised to all RGN students due to differences in curriculum content and students' contact with people who have mental handicaps. Nevertheless, it may be that lessons can be learned that will be for the benefit of people with mental handicaps and RGN students alike.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: for people with mental handicaps
Authors: Kroese Biza Stenfert , Lowe Sheila , Richens Alan , Sidaway Nadine , Cragg Rod
Published: August 2010

Nineteen employees with mental handicaps were interviewed in order to specify factors related to job‐finding, job‐support, successful and unsuccessful placements, types of jobs, and individual personal characteristics. It was found that less than half of the people interviewed had received help from an “employment expert” in their job research, many had other special needs in addition to their mental handicap, and most had maintained their jobs successfully.

The results of this small study indicate that people with mental handicaps can successfully enter the open job‐market and become reliable and efficient employees.
An evaluation of the effects of relocation within institutions: Part 3. The effects of relocation
Authors: Firth Hugh , Holtom Rebecca , Mayor Janet , Wood Andy
Published: August 2010

Relocation, as a result of policies over which they have no control, is a fact of life for many people living in long‐stay institutions. The first article in this series presented the findings of recent research into the effects of relocation, identified vulnerable client groups, and recommended guidelines for good practice. The second described the action taken to minimise the adverse effects of relocating many residents to reduce overcrowding, using the conclusions and recommendations of the first article.

This article describes a study of the health, behaviour, and social interaction of three groups of residents: a group of 89 residents who moved; a control group of 77 residents, matched for age, sex, type of ward, and degree of ability; and a group of 40 residents who experienced disruption but no actual move. Results indicated few overall changes in residents' physical health, but strongly suggested that some people with severe mental handicaps who are withdrawn or non‐communicative may show weight loss, disturbed behaviour, or increased likelihood of minor illness following the disruption caused by relocation.
Teaching people how to manage their own “special” diets: SOME LESSONS FROM PRACTICE
Authors: Cole Angela
Published: August 2010

Anyone can develop health problems which result in the need to follow a particular type of diet in order to stay well. If this happens, having the opportunity to learn how to manage their health through their diet can mean the difference between a life style that is relatively independent from the medical profession and one that is not. People who have mental handicaps may require increased assistance to learn dietary control of their health, and there may be risks involved. This article examines some of the issues that arose in relation to such a situation in practice, and draws out some of the lessons that were learned.
Helping people to relax in over‐stimulating environments
Authors: Williams John
Published: August 2010

Behavioural relaxation training can be used in a variety of settings. This article describes its usefulness with five highly anxious individuals who attend an adult training centre in Scarborough.
WORKING WITH FAMILIES: developing a partnership between parents and professionals in the mental handicap services
Authors: Charnock Sybil , Dennis Pam , Lang Hilary , Osman Jill
Published: August 2010

The article describes the planning, aims, content, and outcome of 10 workshop sessions run by parents of young adults with severe mental handicaps for a group of professional staff from health and social services departments. It is considered that the sessions went some way towards breaking down the barriers between parents and professionals but that there is still a long way to go.
Breaking the news to family and friends: SOME IDEAS TO HELP PARENTS
Authors: McConachie Helen
Published: August 2010

Guidelines on how to break the news of a child's disability to the parents have been described in a number of recent publications. Little attention, however, seems to have been paid to advising parents on the next stage – how they might break the news to family and friends. This article discusses the difficulties parents may face and summarises some tentative ideas on how to make the process easier.
Staff Training in the Management of Violence and Aggression: 3. Physical Restraint
Authors: McDonnell Andrew , Dearden Bob , Richens Alan
Published: August 2010

The previous articles in this series have examined the setting conditions which may effect successful staff training, and how to deal with potentially violent situations. This final article examines how to deal with physical violence by using a non‐violent method of physical restraint.
An Evaluation of an Assertiveness Course Offered to People with a Mild or Moderate Mental Handicap
Authors: Millner Lesley , Dalby Michelle
Published: August 2010

A structured Assertiveness Training Course was run for seven people with a mental handicap and, where possible, their keyworkers. Evaluation of the Course was attempted both quantitively and qualitively but it was found that checklist measurements were unreliable. Subjective reports indicate that participants benefited in a variety of ways. The value of raising people's awareness of aspects of assertive behaviour is discussed.
Optimal Sleep—Wake Scheduling and Profound Mental Handicap: Potential Benefits
Authors: Espie Colin A.
Published: August 2010

Behavioural treatments of sleep patterns and disorders have been widely studied in ‘normal’ populations, with reported benefits to quantitative and qualitative aspects of sleep and to subsequent daytime performance. This study represents the first attempt to apply such procedures to an individual with profound mental handicaps. A case study is presented which demonstrates that the development of an optimal sleep‐schedule led to markedly improved daytime functioning and a reduction in challenging behaviour. It is argued that people with mental handicaps may benefit considerably from optimal scheduling since arbitrary sleep—wake patterns often meet administrative rather than personal needs.
Have They Got a Hearing Loss?
Authors: Yeates Sybil
Published: August 2010

This is an interim report on a study funded for four years by the South East Thames Regional Health Authority to look at the hearing status of adults with severe learning difficulties in the Lewisham and North Southwark District. It follows a preliminary paper published in this journal in 1989, when 100 people had been examined. This second paper gives results up to June 1990, when 300 people had been seen. The number of people with a hearing loss requiring amplification was at least 39.6% of the sample, correlating well with results found in the first group. In this study 32% required objective testing, compared with 19% in the smaller group. The problems associated with such testing are discussed. Sixty‐seven hearing aids were issued by the above date. The necessity of good training and motivation in care staff was found to be essential if aids were to be properly used and scarce resources not wasted. It is hoped that this work will lead to a good service for the hearing impaired who also have severe learning difficulties.
Facilitating Friendships for People with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Le Touze Sue , Pahl Jan
Published: August 2010

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.
A Comparison of Self‐Instructional Training and Modelling for Teaching an Abstract Task
Authors: Marshall Sue
Published: August 2010

The aim of this study was to compare the relative efficacy of modelling and self‐instructional training in teaching a group of adults with mental handicaps to complete an abstract task. Modelling here involves demonstrating a task and requesting that a client copy those behaviours he has just observed. Self‐instructional training requires an individual to engage in self‐talk to direct behaviour in a desired direction. The results show little difference in performance on the task between the two groups although individual performance varied. The implications of this finding are discussed and directions for further research are suggested
The Life Experiences Checklist: Part 2. Applications in Service Evaluation and Quality Assurance
Authors: Ager Alastair
Published: August 2010

This paper highlights applications of the Life Experiences Checklist in the areas of service evaluation and quality assurance. Studies of community‐based and hospital services using the LEC are described, and implications for service planning summarised. The potential role of the LEC in procedures to identify service deficiencies is briefly illustrated.
A Summer School for Special Children, September 1991
Authors: Frankish Pat , Mountford Kate
Published: August 2010

A summer school for seven children provided a therapeutic environment in which emotional needs could be addressed. This approach led to gains in development and reductions in severe behaviour disturbance. The scheme utilised finance from the health authority and the Mental Health Foundation, staff on short‐term contracts and a variety of help from existing resources. The combined effort ensured a crisis‐free summer and presented evidence of a way of working that is beneficial to some very disturbed children.
Healing the Mind Through the Body
Authors: Corbett John
Published: August 2010

This paper is based on the Gerry Simon Lecture given at the 20th Annual Meeting of the British Institute for Mental Handicap at Herriot Watt University, Edinburgh on 16 September, 1992.
The Staff Support Questionnaire: A Means of Measuring Support Among Staff Working with People with Challenging Behaviour
Authors: Harris Philip , Thomson Graham
Published: August 2010

Staff are the most important resource of a service for people with learning difficulties and challenging behaviour. Good staff support helps to prevent stress, maintain high staff morale and aid staff erformance. This article describes the Staff Support Questionnaire which was developed as a means of evaluating staff support. The evidence, to date, suggests that it is a reliable and valid measure which can be used to identify the particular strengths and needs of support systems.
The Need for Effective Network Interconnectivity Among Multiple Partners in a Disaster‐Embattled Region: A Content Analysis of an Exploratory Focus Group Study
Authors: Cumbie Barry A. , Sankar Chetan S.
Published: August 2010

This study explores the application of Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) to the adoption of disaster‐related preventative measures from a community perspective. A literature review showed that relative advantage, value and need compatibility, and network connectivity are important factors in the adoption decision. In order to prioritize among these factors, the researchers gathered information from response and recovery personnel. A content analysis of the transcripts revealed effective network interconnectivity as the most important factor. This research contributes by applying IDT and content analysis methods to disaster‐related preventative measures for a community. Based on the research results, we recommend that communities collect geospatial infrastructure data and populate it in information systems so that the community might recover from disasters quickly.
Participatory Mapping for Raising Disaster Risk Awareness Among the Youth
Authors: Gaillard J. C. , Pangilinan Maria Lourdes Carmella Jade D.
Published: August 2010

This research note documents a recent experience conducted in the Philippines and that consisted in using participatory mapping to raise disaster risk awareness among the youth. Maps are cheap, easy to reproduce and help in materializing hazard, vulnerability and risk, and thus allow the youth to concretely appraise disaster risk in their immediate environment. This is particularly important among marginalized communities. The next step is hence to scale up the activity to the level of disaster risk reduction within schools and colleges.
The politics of ‘forgetting’ as poetics of belonging: between Greek self‐narration and reappraisal (Michaniona, 2000/3)
Authors: TZANELLI RODANTHI
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. The repressive mechanisms of collective memory have received due attention in the social sciences, with scholars examining the ethics of remembering and forgetting and their political implications. This study focuses on episodes that took place in a Northern Greek town in 2000 and 2003, when an Albanian student was twice denied the right to hold the Greek flag during a commemorative national parade. It is argued that this line of action against the student, representative of Greek attitudes towards immigrants in Greece, asserted the locality's participation in the Greek ‘imagined community’. This was made possible through a process of ‘forgetting’ the locality's history and the analogies this presents with the experience of contemporary immigration. Questioning the ethical implications of this collective decision, the article links regional micro‐politics to nationalist discourses that originate in the European project itself.