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Supported employment: a route to social networks

Forrester-Jones, Rachel, Jones, Samantha, Heason, Sophie (2004) Supported employment: a route to social networks. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 17 (3). pp. 199-208. ISSN 1360-2322. (doi:10.1111/j.1468-3148.2004.00199.x) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:33318)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-3148.2004.00199.x

Abstract

Background: Evidence suggests that social networks mediate social functioning, self-esteem, mental health and quality of life. This paper presents findings concerning changes in the social lives, skills, behaviour and life experiences of a group of people with intellectual disabilities (n = 18), who gained support from an employment agency to find paid work.

Method: The composition and quality of individuals' social networks were mapped using a Social Network Guide. Changes in skills, behaviour and life experiences were assessed using standardized measures.

Results: The social network size of participants increased over time, with most social contacts being drawn from community contexts. This linked to improvements in life experiences, particularly in relation to leisure activities. Some improvements in adaptive behaviour were also found over time but no significant relationship between social network size and changes in adaptive behaviour were evident.

Conclusions: Whilst work will not guarantee social relationships, it can help maintain network size and provides a good opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities to meet others who are not associated with intellectual disability services.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1111/j.1468-3148.2004.00199.x
Uncontrolled keywords: Intellectual disability; Social network; Supported employment
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare > HV1568 Disability studies
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research
Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Tizard
Depositing User: Rachel Forrester-Jones
Date Deposited: 09 Apr 2013 09:47 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:10 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/33318 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Forrester-Jones, Rachel.

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