Browsing by Author "Keesler, John"

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    Community Inclusion for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
    (Indiana University School of Social Work, 2021) Presnell, Jade; Keesler, John; School of Social Work
    Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are isolated and lack meaningful opportunities to participate and develop social networks within their communities. Sharing membership with a community that fosters connection and belonging is essential to well-being. As a human rights profession, social work is uniquely situated to overcome the macro barriers that prevent full community inclusion for people with IDD. However, the experiences and needs of those with IDD have largely been left out of the profession’s discourse on diversity and oppression. This article presents a call-to-action for social work to engage in strategies and solutions to resolve macro barriers to community inclusion, to dismantle the injustices that people with IDD continue to experience, and to move the promise of community inclusion from rhetoric to reality. Social workers can promote community inclusion for people with IDD through a variety of approaches, including using a human rights-based framework, aligning with person-centered planning, fostering evidence-based practices, using participatory action research, increasing disability content in social work curricula, and engaging in community action and advocacy.
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    Exploring the knowledge base of trauma and trauma informed care of staff working in community residential accommodation for adults with an intellectual disability
    (Wiley, 2022) McNally, Paddy; Irvine, Mandy; Taggart, Laurence; Shevlin, Mark; Keesler, John; School of Social Work
    Background: Taking a trauma informed care approach has demonstrated positive outcomes for services for people in the general population. Given the increased vulnerability to psychological trauma for adults with an intellectual disability, this study explores what residential staff know about trauma and trauma informed care. Methods: Thirty-two staffs representing three staff groups: direct care staff; managers; and specialist practitioners, were interviewed using semi-structured interviews, which were analysed following a structured framework. Findings: Each staff group held different perspectives in their knowledge of trauma and trauma informed care. Limitations were noted in staffs' knowledge of trauma, implementation of evidence-based supports, and access to specialist services for adults with an intellectual disability. All participants highlighted their training needs regarding trauma. Conclusion: Increased training on recognising and responding to trauma is needed among community staff supporting those with a trauma history if organisations are to move towards trauma informed care.