Ruth Townsley

Working Partnerships? A Critique of the Process of Multi‐Agency Working in Services to Disabled Children with Complex Health Care Needs

Recent government policies in relation to children stress the importance of service integration and partnership working, with particular emphasis on combating social exclusion. With reference to findings from a three‐year empirical study, this article examines some key elements of the process of multi‐agency working in services for disabled children with complex health care needs. It highlights some of the barriers to effective partnerships and lists some pointers for policy and practice.

Getting Informed: Researching the Production of Accessible Information for People with Learning Disabilities

The Information for All Project, based at the Norah Fry Research Centre, is investigating the current evidence on accessible information. As well as conducting a systematic review of the research literature, we have interviewed information providers (including service user‐led groups) about their practical experience of making information easier to understand. Data analysis is ongoing, and this article summarises the main emerging themes. Key messages include the importance of defining the target audience and their information needs and involving this audience through direct consultation and evaluation. It is essential that information that is made easier to understand is also made easier to access, and that careful attention is given to how the information will reach the end user.

Parallel Text: Making Research Accessible to People with Intellectual Disabilities

The full involvement of people with intellectual disabilities in research that relates to them is a central concern at present. An important aspect of involvement is making academic writing more accessible. While this can be achieved by including a simplified synopsis or by producing separate simplified documents, such attempts can still represent a “them” and “us” ethos. One alternative is to publish academic papers with a “parallel text” for people with intellectual disabilities. This not only provides a simplified version but also facilitates access to the main document. In this paper, we describe background research for developing the idea of parallel texts and discuss the technical considerations for others wishing to present academic work in a similar manner.

Commissioning Information for People with Learning Difficulties

Organisations need to think about how to share information with people with learning difficulties. This paper draws on findings from a recent research project to inform the commissioning of easier information. Its aim is to promote more effective information provision and the best possible value for money.