Supermarket shopping experiences for people with learning disabilities

Caroline Wolverson1, Diane Cotterill2, 1 Faculty of Health & Life Sciences York St John University, York, England 2 Faculty of Health & Life Sciences York St John University, York, England Background: Level 3 students are... [ view full abstract ]

Caroline Wolverson1, Diane Cotterill2,

1 Faculty of Health & Life Sciences York St John University, York, England
2 Faculty of Health & Life Sciences York St John University, York, England

Background:
Level 3 students are required to engage in a research project. The university works closely with a self-advocacy group for people with learning disabilities. During a student placement, the group had identified challenges when supermarket shopping leading to occupational injustice.

Method:
A qualitative paradigm using a phenomenological design was utilised. Focus groups and questionnaires were used to collect data
Results:
Three themes were identified:
• The value of supermarket shopping
• Environmental barriers
• Personal barriers

Conclusion:
Data collected confirmed a number of findings in previously published research identifying barriers to participation. The findings of this study correlated with those of Abbot and McConkey (2006) who identified that people with learning disabilities wanted staff to take on a supportive rather than caring role.

Application to Practice:
1. The study identified ways in which occupational therapists can support people with learning disabilities.
2. The study enabled students to develop research skills and an opportunity to promote social inclusion.
3. The study identified a number of challenges and opportunities for educators working with students and service users as co-researchers

References

1. Abbott S and McConkey R (2006) The barriers to social inclusion as perceived by people with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities. 10 3 275-287.

Europe 2020 targets: social inclusion
WHO 2020 health promotion and prevention of disease