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British Medical Bulletin Jun 2024a sizable proportion of the working population has a disability that is not visible. Many choose not to disclose this at work, particularly in educational workplaces... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
a sizable proportion of the working population has a disability that is not visible. Many choose not to disclose this at work, particularly in educational workplaces where disability is underrepresented. A better understanding of the barriers and facilitators to disclosure is needed.
SOURCES OF DATA
this scoping review is based on studies published in scientific journals.
AREAS OF AGREEMENT
the reasons underpinning disclosure are complex and emotive-in-nature. Both individual and socio-environmental factors influence this decision and process. Stigma and perceived discrimination are key barriers to disclosure and, conversely, personal agency a key enabler.
AREAS OF CONTROVERSY
there is a growing trend of non-visible disabilities within the workplace, largely because of the increasing prevalence of mental ill health. Understanding the barriers and facilitators to disability disclosure is key to the provision of appropriate workplace support.
GROWING POINTS
our review shows that both individual and socio-environmental factors influence choice and experience of disclosure of non-visible disabilities in educational workplaces. Ongoing stigma and ableism in the workplace, in particular, strongly influence disabled employees' decision to disclose (or not), to whom, how and when.
AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH
developing workplace interventions that can support employees with non-visible disabilities and key stakeholders during and beyond reasonable adjustments is imperative.
Topics: Humans; Workplace; Disabled Persons; Social Stigma; Disclosure
PubMed: 38437453
DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldae004 -
Nurse EducatorNursing faculty may be reluctant to fail students for a variety of reasons. Faculty may fear being viewed as discriminatory when failing nursing students with...
BACKGROUND
Nursing faculty may be reluctant to fail students for a variety of reasons. Faculty may fear being viewed as discriminatory when failing nursing students with disabilities.
PROBLEM
Schools of nursing may still be using technical standards that are outdated and noncompliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to determine eligibility for admission and may confuse essential functions with academic expectations. Lack of faculty awareness of the ADA may make faculty reluctant to fail nursing students with disabilities.
APPROACH
All nursing students should be assessed based on whether-not how-they meet academic and clinical standards safely. Disability accommodations should not affect the standards that must be met.
CONCLUSIONS
Faculty should base decisions on whether to assign failing grades to students on factors unrelated to a disability. Technical standards, when written correctly, should clarify whether inability or disability contributed to failure. Policies regarding failing should be clear, equitable, and accessible.
Topics: Disabled Persons; Education, Nursing; Faculty, Nursing; Humans; Students, Nursing; United States
PubMed: 33395184
DOI: 10.1097/NNE.0000000000000965 -
Disability and Rehabilitation Sep 2018Many clinicians, educators, and employers lack disability confidence which can affect their interactions with, and inclusion of people with disabilities. Our objective...
PURPOSE
Many clinicians, educators, and employers lack disability confidence which can affect their interactions with, and inclusion of people with disabilities. Our objective was to explore how disability confidence developed among youth who volunteered with children who have a disability.
METHODS
We conducted 30 in-depth interviews (16 without a disability, 14 with disabilities), with youth aged 15-25. We analyzed our data using an interpretive, qualitative, thematic approach.
RESULTS
We identified four main themes that led to the progression of disability confidence including: (1) "disability discomfort," referring to lacking knowledge about disability and experiencing unease around people with disabilities; (2) "reaching beyond comfort zone" where participants increased their understanding of disability and became sensitized to difference; (3) "broadened perspectives" where youth gained exposure to people with disabilities and challenged common misperceptions and stereotypes; and (4) "disability confidence" which includes having knowledge of people with disabilities, inclusive, and positive attitudes towards them.
CONCLUSIONS
Volunteering is one way that can help to develop disability confidence. Youth with and without disabilities both reported a similar process of developing disability confidence; however, there were nuances between the two groups. Implications for Rehabilitation The development of disability confidence is important for enhancing the social inclusion of people with disabilities. Volunteering with people who have a disability, or a disability different from their own, can help to develop disability confidence which involves positive attitudes, empathy, and appropriate communication skills. Clinicians, educators, and employers should consider promoting working with disabled people through such avenues as volunteering or service learning to gain disability confidence.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Developmental Disabilities; Disabled Persons; Emotional Intelligence; Empathy; Female; Humans; Male; Self Efficacy; Social Skills; Volunteers
PubMed: 28503957
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2017.1326533 -
Disability and Rehabilitation Sep 2017Individuals with physical disabilities are among the most inactive population in society, arguably due to the lack of suitable environments to exercise. The gym is a...
PURPOSE
Individuals with physical disabilities are among the most inactive population in society, arguably due to the lack of suitable environments to exercise. The gym is a space dedicated to improving physical fitness in a controlled environment with specialized equipment and qualified instructors. The feasibility of using this space to promote health to this population, however, is yet to be established.
METHOD
Over an 18-month period, 21 people with physical disabilities were interviewed regarding their experiences in the gym. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, transcribed verbatim, and subject to thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Four broad themes were identified: (1) experiencing enhanced well-ness, (2) perceived conflict between gym values and disability, (3) influence of a previous gym identity, and (4) experiences of psycho-emotional disablism.
CONCLUSIONS
Participants were perceived to experience a variety of health benefits; however, they also experienced many barriers such as not aligning to the cultural norms of the gym, limited interpretations of health, oppressive messages from the built environment, and negative relational interactions. While there is potential for the gym to be used as a place to promote health, more must be done to foster an inclusive atmosphere in this space. Implications for Research The gym may be a viable place to promote health enhancing behaviors to this population as participants perceived physical, social, and psychological improvements through exercising in this space. Barriers such as not aligning to cultural norms of the gym, psycho-emotional disablism, and a lack of representation in the gym were perceived to hinder exercise participation. Gyms should consider funding instructors to go on courses teaching them how to train an individual with a disability, and also consider employing instructors with a disability to mediate the socio-cultural barriers perceived to exist in the gym. Men and women's past identity as gym users had different ramifications regarding their adoption of exercise after disability, therefore, professionals working in this field should be cognizant of this when designing and delivering exercise programs during and after rehabilitation.
Topics: Adult; Disabled Persons; Exercise; Female; Fitness Centers; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Middle Aged; United Kingdom; Young Adult
PubMed: 27626359
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2016.1213893 -
Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly :... Jul 2020The purpose of this systematic review was to examine published research literature pertaining to dance programs for school-age individuals with disabilities by... (Review)
Review
The purpose of this systematic review was to examine published research literature pertaining to dance programs for school-age individuals with disabilities by describing study characteristics and major findings. Electronic database searches were conducted to identify relevant articles published between January 2008 and August 2018. Sixteen articles met all inclusion criteria, and extracted data from the articles included major findings, study design characteristics (e.g., sample size), and dance program characteristics (e.g., location of program). The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool. Major findings expand on previous reviews on dance by including school-age individuals with disabilities. The critical appraisal of the articles demonstrates a gap in study design rigor between studies. Future research should aim to specify sampling strategies, use theories to frame the impact of dance programs, and provide a thorough description of ethical processes and dance classes.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Dance Therapy; Dancing; Disabled Persons; Humans; Schools
PubMed: 32559738
DOI: 10.1123/apaq.2019-0117 -
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation... May 2018This article explores the significance of parasport culture in highlighting an emancipatory understanding of difference and enhancing social empowerment. Disability... (Review)
Review
This article explores the significance of parasport culture in highlighting an emancipatory understanding of difference and enhancing social empowerment. Disability studies are used to illuminate the influence of ableist ideology on people with impairments. Rather than being suppressed, difference should be recognized and valued in parasport practices and ideologies, leading to a pluralist culture, in which farther and wider social emancipation can be grounded. Acceptance of difference is an absolute and essential precondition for parasport cultures to promote positive social change for people with disabilities.
Topics: Athletes; Disabled Persons; Humans; Power, Psychological; Sports
PubMed: 29627096
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2018.01.009 -
Sustainability of exercise intervention outcomes among people with disabilities: a secondary review.Disability and Rehabilitation Jun 2019This review explored the sustainability of health and physical activity-based outcomes following exercise trials that were conducted for people with disabilities, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This review explored the sustainability of health and physical activity-based outcomes following exercise trials that were conducted for people with disabilities, and characterised the influence of technology and behaviour change strategies.
METHODS
A total of 132 studies were screened from an existing database.
RESULTS
Only 22 studies featured follow-up periods and met eligibility criteria. At follow-up, studies typically reported at least one significant health outcome that was maintained (n = 18/21; 86%). However, significant health outcomes accounted for only 32% of the total volume of outcomes that were measured at follow-up. For physical activity-based outcomes, six studies (n = 6/8; 75%) reported that intervention gains were maintained throughout follow-up. The incorporation of technology or behaviour change strategies appeared to be linked with sustainable intervention effects.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, some evidence demonstrated that post-intervention effects were sustainable. However, the strength of the evidence was weak and several existing gaps in knowledge were identified. Moreover, most studies did not focus on sustainability, but instead emphasised short-term effects of exercise participation on health and physical activity outcomes. Study findings call for greater research and programme efforts to maintain health, function, and physical activity behaviour after supports provided by research studies are removed. Implications for rehabilitation Short-term exercise programmes may require additional strategies designed specifically to enhance the sustainability of exercise outcomes and physical activity participation. Incorporating technology within exercise interventions may enhance the likelihood of sustaining health and function outcomes. Exercise programmes framed within behaviour change theory can equip individuals with the appropriate strategies necessary to maintain their physical activity participation.
Topics: Disabled Persons; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Sustainable Development; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29409367
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1432704 -
Journal of Psychiatric and Mental... Apr 2019WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Physical appearance, as in the case of individuals with physical disabilities who use a cane, walker or wheelchair, also influence others'... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Physical appearance, as in the case of individuals with physical disabilities who use a cane, walker or wheelchair, also influence others' reactions and as a result, may lead to one's negative or positive feelings and thoughts. A disability that is not observable by others, as in the case of individuals with psychiatric disabilities (mental illnesses), may also have a negative impact on one's feelings and thoughts, due to stigma associated with psychiatric disabilities. To date, research has mainly focused on the way persons with a noticeable type of disability think about themselves. It is also important to evaluate the impact of disability type on ones' feelings and thoughts, and compare persons with visible and invisible disabilities. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: We asked 119 adults (over the age of 18 years) with different types of disabilities to complete a set of questionnaires and found that those who had a disability that was not observable by others (a psychiatric disability) felt more negative about themselves and their body than those who had a disability that was observable by others (a physical disability). The study extends the current knowledge on the impact of disability type and its visibility on the way persons with disabilities think about themselves. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The findings suggest that healthcare services should be modified to address the psychological needs of people with different types of disability. Mental health nurses should identify practices in the community that will improve the feelings and thoughts of consumers with disabilities, and especially those who cope with a psychiatric disability. Abstract Introduction Individuals with disabilities often face stigma and discrimination, which may negatively affect their self-concept. To date, research has mainly focused on the psychological implications of living with a noticeable physical disability. Less attention has been given to individuals with invisible psychiatric disabilities as a stigmatized subgroup in the disability community. Aim To evaluate the impact of disability type and its visibility on the self-concept and body image. Method A cross-sectional quantitative study design was implemented to compare the self-concept and body image of individuals with visible physical disabilities and individuals with invisible psychiatric disabilities (n = 119). Pearson correlations, ANOVA and multiple linear regression models were performed. Results Individuals with invisible psychiatric disabilities reported lower levels of self-concept and body image compared to individuals with visible physical disabilities. Gender, family status and the severity level of the disability were found to be associated with self-concept and body image. Discussion The study extends the current knowledge by showing that disability visibility might play a protective role for persons with physical disabilities compared to persons with psychiatric disabilities. Implications for Practice Mental health nurses should apply practices to enhance the self-concept and body image of consumers with invisible psychiatric disabilities.
Topics: Adult; Body Image; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disabled Persons; Female; Humans; Male; Mentally Ill Persons; Psychiatric Nursing; Self Concept
PubMed: 30793457
DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12513 -
Disability and Health Journal Oct 2020With population aging, there is a growing need to measure and monitor the wellbeing of older people, including older people with disabilities.
BACKGROUND
With population aging, there is a growing need to measure and monitor the wellbeing of older people, including older people with disabilities.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the extent of wellbeing for individuals age 60+ in the U.S. overall and across disability status, this paper develops a measure of wellbeing at older ages that is multidimensional and disability inclusive.
METHODS
Rates of multidimensional wellbeing among American older adults overall and among older adults with disabilities were estimated using multivariate regression analysis and data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics matched with the 2013 Disability and Use of Time Supplement. Multidimensional wellbeing was defined as the simultaneous achievement of outcomes in five dimensions: material wellbeing, health status, personal activities, social connections/relationships, and economic security.
RESULTS
Among all older adults, 33% experience multidimensional wellbeing. However, only 4-18% of older adults with disabilities experience wellbeing. Wellbeing varies across the dimensions of wellbeing for this subpopulation. Persons with disabilities experience as much wellbeing as persons without disabilities in terms of health insurance status and social connections/relationships. In contrast, for material wellbeing, health status and personal activities, older persons with disabilities less often experience wellbeing.
DISCUSSION
This paper brings to light a disability gap in the experience of wellbeing among older adults in the U.S. There is a need for research which can inform the development of policies and practices that will enhance wellbeing for older people with disabilities, including material wellbeing, health and personal activities.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Disabled Persons; Female; Health Status; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; United States
PubMed: 32354618
DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2020.100926 -
Research on Aging Apr 2019Many studies show that disability predicts lower social participation and poorer psychological well-being. However, few have examined how disability, social interaction,...
Many studies show that disability predicts lower social participation and poorer psychological well-being. However, few have examined how disability, social interaction, and psychological well-being interrelate with one another. We use diary data from World Health Organization's Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health, 2007-2010 ( N = 8,771) and mediation analysis to examine the links between disability, daily social interaction, and the momentary and global well-being of older adults in China. We find suggestive support for the hypothesis that psychological well-being predicts social interaction in the context of disablement, but little evidence for the converse. Specifically, in a cross-sectional analysis, disability predicts lower levels of momentary affect, happiness, and life satisfaction, which are linked to spending more time alone and participating in fewer activities with grandchildren, friends, and coworkers. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that a less active social life is explained by poor functional performance and compromised psychological vibrancy.
Topics: Aged; China; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disabled Persons; Female; Happiness; Health Surveys; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Male; Mental Health; Middle Aged; Social Participation; Social Support
PubMed: 30636536
DOI: 10.1177/0164027518824049