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

List of Tables

Preface- Exploring the past, present and future of technology use by adults with learning disabilities: A personal perspective

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

Introduction

Cost related causes of digital inequalities

Technology-related causes of digital inequalities

Environment-related causes of digital inequalities

Conclusion

Notes

References

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

           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

Biography

Jane Seale is a Professor of Education at the Open University in the UK. Her research interests lie at the intersections between disability, technology and inclusion. One particular focus of her work is the development and evaluation of methods that promote voice and empowerment for adults with learning disabilities.