Judit Fullana Noell

Advancing towards inclusive social research: visual methods as opportunities for people with severe mental illness to participate in research

This article explores the possibilities offered by visual methods in the move towards inclusive research, reviewing some methodological implications of said research and reflecting on the potential of visual methods to meet these methodological requirements. A study into the impact of work on social inclusion and the social relationships of people suffering from severe mental illness (SMI) serves to illustrate the use of visual methods such as photo elicitation and graphic elicitation in the context of in-depth interviews with the aim of improving the aforementioned target group’s participation in research, participation understood as one of the basic elements of inclusive approaches. On the basis of this study, we reflect on the potential of visual methods to improve the inclusive approach to research and conclude that these methods are open and flexible in awarding participantsa voice, allowingpeople with SMI to express their needs, and therefore adding value to said approach.

Transition to adulthood for young people with intellectual disability: Exploring transition partnerships from the point of view of professionals in school and postschool services

Abstract Background Transition partnerships are considered a key factor in fostering transition to adulthood for young people with intellectual disability (ID). The aim of this research was to analyse the transition partnerships between services and projects that support young people with ID in their transition to adulthood from the perspective of the professionals involved. Method Semistructured interviews were conducted with 45 key professionals from different postschool and school projects to obtain information regarding the main problems found in coordinating the services, the causes of these problems, and suggestions for improvement. Results A lack of continuity was highlighted in the support for young people with ID during the transition process. Insufficient information and collaboration between services and professionals and a lack of leadership were the main problems perceived by professionals. Conclusions Our research stresses the need for clear guidelines to be established regarding the distribution of roles and responsibilities between the professionals and services involved in transition. Improving communication processes between professionals and between them and young people and their families is underlined as a way to help young people with ID in their transition to adulthood. Reinforcing the role of the local area is also recommended.

Professional Placement and Professional Recognition of Social Education Graduates in Spain: A 10‐year Balance

The aim of this article is to reflect on the level of professional recognition of social educators and social care workers in Spain. Our findings are based on data and conclusions obtained from recent studies of professional placement among social educators. One of those studies contains research carried out with graduates in social education from the University of Girona (Spain). We present the most important data on the employability of social education graduates and provide information on the professional standing of social educators in Spain.

La participación de los estudiantes en la universidad : dificultades percibidas y propuestas de mejora

This article focuses on an analysis of student participation in university government and aims specifically to identify the main obstacles to student participation and the proposals that can facilitate student involvement in the functioning of the university. In research done during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 academic years based on student questionnaires, teaching staff interviews and student discussion groups, information was obtained about the major obstacles to student participation. It is shown that, in line with general tendencies found in other studies on this topic, student participation at different levels of the university is scarce. However, the methodology employed in this research makes it possible to compare and contrast student opinions with the perceptions of the teaching staff and thereby identify significant differences that flag the main ways to facilitate change in student participation in the university. The necessary changes should not only be related with improving the means of informing students about ways to participate; they must also influence the formulation of participatory processes by universities, the role of the teaching staff and, specifically, the role of the coordinators of the governing bodies closest to students. In the conclusions, improvements are proposed aimed at promoting student involvement in the functioning of the university, inter alia: improving information and channels of communication with students, improving students’ electoral processes, providing students with education for participation and providing teachers with training in the methodologies, resources and tools that can affect student motivation.

Retos para la vida independiente de las personas con discapacidad intelectual. Un estudio basado en sus opiniones, las de sus familias y las de los profesionales

Despite Spains ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007, there are few studies on the situation of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) regarding their right to independent living (art. 19). In order to analyse the barriers, supports and challenges that affect the exercise of this right, a qualitative study was developed through 10 focus groups and 22 individual interviews with people with ID, 5 focus groups with families, and 33 individual interviews with professionals. The research results show the need to guarantee the universality of the right to independent living, offering quality personalized supports and developing training and awareness actions in the area of rights with the different actors involved.

Apoyando la participación real de las personas con discapacidad intelectual: una experiencia de investigación inclusiva sobre vida independiente

En nuestro contexto se han desarrollado escasas experiencias de investigacion realizadas conjuntamente entre investigadores academicos e investigadores con discapacidad intelectual. Este articulo tiene como finalidad aportar una experiencia de investigacion cualitativa sobre vida independiente y discapacidad, desarrollada por las autoras (investigadoras academicas) en colaboracion con un Consejo Asesor integrado por personas con discapacidad intelectual. Se pretende, ademas de presentar el desarrollo y resultados de la investigacion, explicar como se ha construido el proceso de colaboracion entre los asesores y las investigadoras de la universidad a lo largo de las distintas fases del estudio. Tambien se van a concretar las estrategias de apoyo que se han ofrecido a los asesores para plantear, finalmente, las reflexiones sobre los principales retos que conlleva avanzar en los procesos de investigacion inclusiva. Con ello se pretende contribuir al avance de las investigaciones inclusivas en las que las personas con discapacidad tengan un protagonismo real en el estudio de los problemas que las afectan.

La evaluación de las políticas municipales de juventud a partir de un sistema de indicadores

This paper presents a system of indicators (SIAPJove) for the evaluationof municipal youth policies. The system has been created and validated by a group of experts and has been implemented in three municipalities of Catalonia (Spain) in a case study to test its applicability and effectiveness. The result is an instrument that has been organized into 12 evaluation areas, 32 objectives and 83 evaluation indicators. When applied to local youth policies this evaluation tool makes it easier to describe the situation of these policies, obtain evidence regarding trends and changes, measures the effectiveness of these policies and establishes short term and mid-term goals. Furthermore, it can also be used as a self-evaluation tool in order to reflect on the actions that local governments are carrying out and supports learning from mistakes and difficulties observed in the development of municipal youth policies