Disabilities Education Research Articles

Why do we continue to exclude the most vulnerable in our society in diabetes research and education? Addressing the challenges presented by people with intellectual disability

Abstract People with an intellectual disability are more likely to develop diabetes compared to their non‐disabled peers. There has been a history of exclusion of people with an intellectual disability from diabetes research and education: we must now challenge this from a human rights perspective. In challenging these perceptions, we must identify the ethical and methodological reasons for exclusion and offer practical solutions to these challenges.These barriers to inclusion focus on three core areas. Firstly, individual factors concerning the person with the disability (can the person give their own informed consent, can the person read/write, completion of self‐report measures?). Secondly, factors concerning the methodology and design of the research study (can studies recruit the numbers needed, can people with intellectual disability understand/accept randomisation?). And, thirdly, system/organisational factors pertaining to the enablers/barriers to engaging in and completing research studies (buy‐in from senior managers, staff acting as gatekeepers, maternalistic attitudes held by gatekeepers, fidelity of intervention delivery).This Janet Kinson paper will explore these intentional and unintentional exclusion criteria that are so often applied to people with an intellectual disability in research trial studies. This paper will dispel the myths and offer solutions for including people with an intellectual disability in diabetes research and education. Using the UK national diabetes structured education programme, DESMOND, this paper will highlight the types of reasonable adjustments that can be made to adapt this programme suitable for adults with an intellectual disability: called DESMOND‐ID. This paper will demonstrate how, with reasonable adjustments, this newly‐adapted DESMOND‐ID education programme then can be tested within a National Institute for Health and Care Research clinical randomised control trial across the UK investigating the programme's clinical and cost‐effectiveness. Copyright © 2024 John Wiley & Sons.

학교교육 기반 학습장애 및 위험군 학생을 위한 협력적 교육지원 방안 연구

In 2023, the number of students with learning disabilities in Korea showed the lowest percentage among all students with special needs. In this regard, educational researchers and practitioners continue to voice concerns about the professionalism in screening and diagnosing learning disabilities, which is currently depriving early detection and opportunities for educational support of students with or at-risk learning disabilities. Therefore, this study aims to explore collaborative educational support for students with or at-risk learning disabilities in school-based education. A SWOT analysis of the literature and a survey for validation and implementation were conducted among academic, administrative, and field experts in learning disabilities. The results were as follows. First, for the in-class level, professional training for collaborative teaching and increasing the number of teachers were mentioned in the ’co-teaching system’, ‘leading inclusive school’, and 'basic education teachers and supplementary teacher' sections. Second, the need to enhance the expertise of teachers in ’supplementary education’ at the in-school level and the need for individual training about students with or at-risk learning disabilities in ‘parent education’ were mentioned. Third, expanding the expertise of learning coaching teams and learning counselors was mentioned for out-of-school ‘learning clinics’. Fourth, at the system level, it was suggested to improve the identification of students in need of support and the definition of basic education in order to provide appropriate educational support to students with or at-risk learning disabilities. This study has implications in that it explored the current educational support system for students with learning disabilities within the education policy in Korea to overcome the limitations and provide practical support. Furthermore, this study suggested school-based plans for collaborative educational support and a universal educational design.

Preparing Special Educators and School Principals in Special Education Law: An Undervalued Area of Professional Training?

Although special education legal knowledge is central to educating students with disabilities, how two critical school professionals—special educators and school principals—garner such knowledge is unclear. This study identified gaps in the professional training for special educators and school principals by examining professional standards and common textbooks. After identifying 32 special education legal concepts, we used content analysis to determine the extent to which each concept was mentioned in professional standards and preservice textbooks (five in special education, six in principal preparation, and four in school law). Compared with special education textbooks (in which 68%–84% of special education legal concepts were mentioned), preservice principals received less information on special education law in their general textbooks (3%–13% of concepts mentioned), although gaps narrowed when examining school law textbooks (63%–81%). Special education and school law texts consistently included concepts related to the six pillars of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), as well as more specific concepts, such as discipline/behavior and related services. Rarely mentioned concepts were extended school year, resolution meetings, and compensatory services. We discuss training, research, and policy implications.

AAC in AACtion: Collaborative Strategies for Special Education Teachers and Speech-Language Pathologists

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to a wide variety of communication devices, systems, tools, and strategies that support or replace spoken language. Augmentative and alternative communication users represent a range of ages, abilities, and communication needs. Support for AAC often begins in the public school setting. Although the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates public schools to provide adequate assistive technology for communication and training to support implementation, researchers estimate that fewer than 40% of students with communication impairments using AAC are proficient communicators. Barriers to implementation include a lack of training opportunities, limited preparation time, unfamiliarity with AAC systems, and difficulty finding evidence-based strategies for AAC. To address these, we present evidence-based strategies that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and special education teachers may use in collaboration to support students using AAC and practical tips for implementation. Strategies described include aided language modeling, core vocabulary, and communication partner support behaviors. Planning considerations for collaboration are discussed.

Ethnographic perspectives of mothers and professionals on including children with disabilities in oral health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Children with disabilities generally face poorer oral health outcomes compared with their non-disabled peers due to a range of factors including inadequate oral hygiene, infrequent dental visits and systemic barriers in accessing care. This ethnographic study explored the perspectives of caregivers and professionals to identify the ways that children with disabilities are included in oral health. A purposive sample of 10 caregivers, all mothers with disabled children aged 9-15 years, five healthcare providers and five educators in Saudi Arabia, participated. Data collection used participant observation and semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings suggest that mothers lacked a supportive environment to develop their skills and knowledge about oral health care, preventing them from including their children in oral health. Inaccessible services added to the exclusion of both mothers and children. Some dental professionals exhibited poor communication skills and discriminatory attitudes towards the children and problematising mothers. Educators tended to discuss disabled children in terms of inability, displaying a deficit approach to impairment. The evidence suggests the exclusion of mothers from oral health. This has an impact on how they enable their children. Recommendations include adopting a social model of disability in dental education and policies in Saudi Arabia to address inequalities. Provision of support, education and focusing on societal barriers moves towards inclusion rather than conceptualising disability as an individual problem.

АКАДЕМИЧЕСКАЯ МОТИВАЦИЯ И САМОРЕГУЛЯЦИЯ СТУДЕНТОВ С ИНВАЛИДНОСТЬЮ: ПСИХОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ

The study examines the relationship between academic motivation and self-regulation among stu-dents with disabilities in higher education

Neurodiversity and cognitive load in online learning: A focus group study.

It is widely accepted that cognitive load plays a crucial role in online learning. However, despite neurodevelopmental conditions being the largest category of qualifying disabilities in education, and the rise of online learning, there is little understanding of the factors impacting cognitive load in online learning for neurodivergent students and how these factors differ from those affecting neurotypical students. This study used qualitative comparison groups with neurotypical and neurodivergent students to examine their experiences of cognitive load in online learning. A sample of 26 university students (14 neurotypical and 12 neurodivergent) participated in focus group discussions. While neurodivergent students reported many similar experiences of cognitive load in online learning compared to their neurotypical peers-such as confusion in navigating the content and technical issues-some difficulties were more present for neurodivergent students-such as transcripts including mistakes and inaccessible content presentation-creating additional barriers in effectively engaging with the educational content. The results suggest that neurotypical and neurodivergent students experience similar challenges, albeit to differing degrees of intensity, and that more research is needed to explore the relationship between neurodiversity and cognitive load in online learning.

A systematic literature review of intersectionality and disability in education

This systematic literature review synthesizes empirical analyses and applications of intersectionality in discussing disability in education. Even though intersectional methodologies have gained increased attention during the last decade, disability has rarely featured in these multi-axial analyses. The systematic review explores intersections of disability with other axes of identity and social disadvantage concerning perceptions and understandings of disability in education, experiences of ex/inclusion and educational dis/advantage. The review addresses the following questions: What intersectional dimensions of disability experience are explored? In what ways do students with disabilities experience intersectional forms of discrimination and oppression? What intersectionality-based education policy and practice implications are discussed in these articles? The review’s findings provide empirically tested insights into how the experience of disability is interwoven with and compounded by other markers of difference, while discussing implications for developing intersectionality-based policies and education research.

The Educational Journey of Students With Disabilities in Saudi Arabia: From Isolation to Inclusive Education

In recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has put considerable effort toward improving justice and equity for people with disabilities in education. One of the three main dimensions of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program is to support all citizens, especially those with disabilities. However, more efforts are still needed to achieve meaningful inclusive education. This analysis sheds light on the challenges, successes, and important factors that have affected the educational landscape for individuals with disabilities in Saudi Arabia and offers recommendations for improving and sustaining inclusive educational practice. In particular, technology solutions need to be implemented to provide effective training for special education professionals, and the current curriculum should be reevaluated to suit special education standards. Preparing special education teachers and other personnel to adapt the curriculum to suit students with disabilities is an important step toward full inclusion in Saudi Arabia.

A Systematic review of the presence and participation of students with intellectual disabilities in Spanish universities.

Inclusive education remains a challenge to be embraced by the national educational system, and this challenge becomes even more pronounced when considering the access and participation of young individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) in higher education. The present systematic review aims to delve into the scientific literature addressing the theme of the presence of students with ID in Spanish university classrooms. To achieve this, a thorough examination of 34 scientific articles published between 2012 and 2022 was conducted across the databases of Dialnet, RedALyC, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Through the analysis of the selected studies, a research trend regarding the inclusion of students with ID in Spanish universities is identified, and the results are summarized. These results indicate a disparity between the increasing response of Spanish universities to students with ID and the limited production of scientific literature on the subject. The review concludes by emphasizing the need to promote high-quality inclusive research processes within the university environment, with a focus on accessibility and equal opportunities for young individuals with ID in higher education.

Exploring Physical Educators' Self-Efficacy to Teach Students With Disabilities in General Physical Education.

The purpose of this study was to explore the ways in which in-service physical education teachers construct their self-efficacy beliefs toward teaching students with disabilities in general physical education classes. Using a qualitative descriptive approach situated within self-efficacy theory, data were collected via semistructured audio-recorded interviews with 16 in-service physical educators. Three interrelated themes were constructed: (a)The more I do it, the better I feel: the importance of professional experiences; (b)I've learned from others: the influence of colleagues; and (c)Being in the general educational setting is a challenge: the impact of contextual factors. Findings supported the influence of the four sources of self-efficacy (i.e.,mastery experience, vicarious experience, social persuasion, and affective and physiological state), in addition to potential contextual factors (i.e.,class sizes and availability of hands-on support), impacting participants' self-efficacy to teach students with disabilities in general physical education classes.

Implementation of Rtl as a Part of Multi-tiered Systems of Support: What Teachers, Administrators,Teacher Educators Need to Know

Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is an outgrowth of Response to Intervention (RtI). The various systems of support for students and school communities provided through these programs are integral to modern education and embedded in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) of 2004. While there are many benefits to the implementation of MTSS and RtI, there are various obstacles that can hinder successful intervention programs. The absence of consensus across districts and states with respect to program development and implementation creates confusion. This article addresses considerations and concerns related to MTSS and RtI. Discussed are underlying principles, challenges to effective implementation, expertise and training of teachers, and usage for classification for special education services. The roles of general and special education teachers, administrators, and university preparation programs are examined, and recommendation providec

Islamic Education for Disabilities: Exploring Psychological Approaches through Bibliometric Analysis

This study aims to determine the mapping of the development and direction of research on Islamic Education for disability, reviewing on Psychological through bibliometric analysis taken from several articles indexed by the Scopus database, the results of data found in tiers from 2020 to 2024 to find relevant gaps. The data obtained is then analyzed using software in the form of R/R-Studio, VOSViewer, Microsoft Excel to find keywords, stimulant document citations. 431 papers were located by researchers that satisfied the predetermined criteria for subject, function, and size. This study’s findings indicate a yearly increase rate. The collected articles are examined based on the number of research published annually and the science field. The scope of the bibliometric analysis was restricted to data from Scopus. This study’s shortcoming is that it only uses data sets or meta data for publications that Scopus has indexed. This study offers suggestions for futhuer research as well as a concise summary of the material available to scholars studing Islamic Education for Disabilities Psychological Review.

Differences in the effectiveness of three techniques for modifying children’s attitudes towards disability in early childhood education

ABSTRACT To foster high-quality and inclusive education, students must hold positive attitudes towards all groups, including individuals with disabilities, a goal that can be accomplished through active participation in awareness-raising programmes. This study compares the efficacy of various strategies to modify attitudes towards disability among preschool children. For this purpose, 70 five-year-old children were divided into four distinct groups: Experimental Group 1, which received a combination of strategies (information enhancement, simulation, and imagined contact); Experimental Group 2, which engaged in information enhancement and simulation; Experimental Group 3, where only imagined contact was implemented; and the Control Group. Following the intervention, a notable improvement was observed in both attitudes and knowledge regarding disability in all experimental groups, with the most significant difference observed in Experimental Group 1. In conclusion, while these strategies are effective individually, their efficacy is further enhanced when combined.

Effects of Occupational Therapy Professional Development Training on School-Based Practice

ABSTRACT Purpose A training program was provided to school-based occupational therapy practitioners (SBOTPs) in Massachusetts to support practices aligned with educational policies and regulations. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of this training program on school-based practice patterns. Methods This study used a researcher-designed online exploratory survey to determine occupational therapy practice patterns in Massachusetts public schools following the training program. The survey was emailed to the 309 SBOTPs who participated in a Massachusetts Department of Education sponsored training between 2007 and 2019. The survey questions analyzed the frequency of reported participation-based intervention methods, in-context and out-of-context services, and interdisciplinary collaboration used by these practitioners. A Chi Square Goodness of Fit Test was performed to determine if there were categorical differences in the frequency of responses to each research question. Results After analyzing our 29 responses we determined that the training program was effective and had an impact on how SBOTPs practice within their schools. After the training, SBOTPs in Massachusetts reported engaging more frequently in participation-based practice in natural school contexts, and collaborating with teachers and other school professionals. Contribution to Occupational Therapy This research serves as evidence that professional development courses can impact how SBOTPs practice. This study suggests that practice patterns of SBOTS can be influenced by participating in trainings that include a model with rationale and facilitated practice for providing occupation-based services in the least restrictive environment and for increasing collaborative practices in schools. School-based occupational therapy (SBOT) is integral to the educational development of children who require this service as part of their individual educational program (IEP). SBOT helps students to achieve success in occupations within the school setting, such as education, play and leisure, activities of daily living (ADLs), and social participation. Students who receive special education services are eligible for occupational therapy if the IEP team determines that SBOT is necessary to achieve the prioritized student goals developed by the team, enhancing the student’s ability to succeed in the educational program. The overarching goal of school-based occupational therapy in working with eligible students with disabilities under the federal special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), is to support students’ abilities to successfully participate (academically and functionally) in their educational program in the least restrictive environment in order, ultimately, to prepare them for adult living (AOTA, 2017; IDEA, 2004).

Examining paradoxes of access in disability law: a critical analysis of the least restrictive environment

ABSTRACT We employ theoretical pluralism and engage in a multi-level analysis to understand how the racialized segregation of students with dis/Abilities persists despite a commitment to inclusion via the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) provision embedded within one of the most significant civil rights inspired legislation impacting students with dis/Abilities in the United States (US) – the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). We use critical discourse analysis, case study and vignette analysis, and critical autoethnography to understand how injustices are sustained across macro (legal), meso (school or institutional), and micro (student) levels of the school system through the LRE provision. We find that the LRE provision promotes ableism and fails to adequately address intersectionalities which sustain racialized educational inequities under a rights framework across macro, meso, and micro levels. We conclude by describing how the LRE provision sustains inequality and promotes seclusion under the guise of inclusion.

Integration of Disability Awareness Improves Medical Students’ Attitudes Toward People with Disabilities

Persons with disabilities (PWD) often require special accommodations and more comprehensive healthcare yet frequently have encounters with physicians who are unprepared to provide tailored and complete care. A multipronged disability awareness curriculum for second-year medical students was implemented, including content on disability etiquette, patient-centered and interprofessional learning sessions for individuals with physical disabilities and intellectual and developmental disabilities, and a debriefing session with physiatrists. The objective of this study was to utilize a mixed methods approach to evaluate the disability awareness curriculum in undergraduate medical education (UME). Assessment was conducted using course evaluations, pre- and post-surveys including the Attitudes and Perspectives Towards Persons with Disabilities (APPD) scale and Multidimensional Attitudes Scale Toward Persons with Disabilities (MAS), and student focus groups. The mean scores from both the APPD (2.11 ± 0.43 pre-score vs. 1.7 ± 0.39 post-score) and MAS (2.45 ± 0.43 pre-score vs. 2.25 ± 0.55 post-score) indicate the curriculum improved medical students’ attitudes toward PWD (p < 0.05), with lower numbers representing more favorable attitudes. After completing the curriculum, medical students’ attitudes were comparable to those of doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students. Qualitative analysis from focus groups highlighted four major themes: education, comfort level, impact on future practice, and disability differences. This curriculum has potential as a valuable framework for delivering effective disability education to medical students to prepare future physicians to serve PWD and their unique needs. It meets core competencies, provides an opportunity to learn in interprofessional environments, and integrates PWD into the educational process.

Hidden diversity in the conservatoire: A qualitative enquiry into the experiences of higher education music students with disability

Students undertaking higher education music degrees represent a rich tapestry of experiences, cultures and needs. However, equity and inclusion issues related to music students with disability in higher education are frequently addressed in generic ways, and without consultation or consideration of their unique requirements. With limited research available, this qualitative study within an Australian Conservatorium of Music analysed the experiential and situated reflections of 18 music students with disability. Based on our reflexive thematic analysis, we propose that issues related to equity and inclusion for music students in higher education are multi-faceted and interrelated. By foregrounding the participants’ voice, the qualitative themes suggest that enhancements related to disclosure processes, quality of communication and reliability of resources, would fortify equity and inclusion. The findings span the need for reforms at the institutional level, as well as specific professional development for educators and awareness raising amongst the student cohort. Informed by the participants’ lived experience, the findings call for music educators, professional staff and institutional leaders to effectively apply features of inclusive, caring, professional practices so that music students with disability can thrive in higher education.

Studying Disability: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective on Requesting Accommodation in Higher Education

Including students with disabilities in higher education is a global political objective and is considered a human right. However, many students do not feel included and hesitate to ask for the help they need to succeed in their education. This study aims to investigate the processes of requesting accommodation for students with disabilities in higher education from the perspectives of both students and support providers. Six co-creation workshops were held, with a total of 46 participants from various backgrounds relevant to exploring pathways for students with disabilities in higher education and into the workforce. The audio recordings of the workshops were analyzed using a constructivist grounded theory approach to identify and explore processes. Three interconnected processes were identified: determining whether to disclose, asking for accommodations, and studying disability. The analysis showed that these processes could be time-consuming and riddled with barriers, and they did not always result in granted accommodations. Some students ended up using their study time to research their disability and potential accommodations instead of studying their subject matter. To eliminate barriers and promote disclosure, universities should ensure a universally designed education and that staff have the necessary knowledge to assist students in obtaining accommodations.

Design and validation of a programme to improve attitudes towards disability in early childhood education

ABSTRACT In order to achieve effective educational inclusion, positive attitudes towards disability among peers are essential. However, many studies have found a negative disposition towards this group (Álvarez 2020; Wang and Qi 2020; Werner, Peretz, and Roth 2015). Therefore, it is important to have specific programmes that help us to improve disability awareness. However, despite the relevance of the Early Childhood Education stage, no validated programmes with this objective have been found in Spain. For this reason, the PROCREADI programme has been designed. Programme for Growing up with Positive Attitudes towards Disability in Early Childhood Education [author(s)] has been designed and validated through a pilot study with a sample of 28 Infant Education students. The results show a notable improvement in attitudes and in the knowledge of the concept of disability in this experimental group. Therefore, it can be concluded that the proposed programme is a useful tool to promote greater knowledge and more positive attitudes towards people with disabilities among preschool students.