The role of professionals in strengthening social relations of adults with a disability in independent supported living: Practices and influencing factors. Issue 2 (3rd April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meys, Evy; Hermans, Koen; Maes, Bea
• Is Part Of: Journal of intellectual & developmental disability. Volume 46:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 150
• Page End: 163
• Publication Date: 2021-04-03
• Subjects: Adults with a disability -- social relations -- practices of professionals -- independent supported living -- social networks; Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Developmental disabilities -- Periodicals; Mental retardation -- Periodicals; 362.1968
• DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2020.1786963
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1366-8250

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Professionals play an important role in supporting the social relations of persons with a disability. This study looks at professional practices supporting or strengthening social relations of persons in independent supported living, by integrating the perspectives of adults with a disability, network members and professionals. Method: Fifty-one semi-structured interviews were carried out. Results: Identified practices were: facilitating social situations, connecting with current and new network members, getting to know the person with a disability really well, delivering person-directed work, being a sounding board, being a safety net, working with an empowering attitude, seeing and exploiting opportunities. Influencing factors were related to the person with a disability, the professional, the network members and the broader environment. Conclusion: Identified practices were small actions rather than structured or programmatic interventions. An unique combination and complex interplay of factors was found within each case, where negative factors could be counterbalanced by positive factors.