https://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/issue/feedJournal of Disability Studies2023-11-13T16:05:25+00:00Integrated Science Publishingpubs@iscience.inOpen Journal Systems<p>‘<strong>Journal of Disability Studies</strong>’ is an International, multidisciplinary, peer reviewed / refereed open access journal. The areas covered by Journal include all type of disabilities and a wide range of advanced fields such as:</p><p>Psychosocial Prospective of Disability, Disability Assessment, Disability Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation, Disability in Academia, Disability Research, Disability and Social Stigma or Exclusion/Discrimination, Disability in the context of Development, Disability and Gender, Disability Legislation and all other allied studies related to disability.</p>https://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1493A review on Half A Brain: Confessions of a Special Needs Mom2023-11-10T08:59:42+00:00Aneesh Josephaneeshmcbs@gmail.com<p>Jenni Basch’s <em>Half A Brain: Confessions of a Special Needs Mom</em> is an inspiring experiential sharing of a mother who took challenges in her life to give birth to a special need child. This book narrates the heroism of the author Jenni Basch at different stages of struggles to bring up her special need child called Skye. It contains forty nine chapters in which she unfolds memoir about her struggles to raise Skye who had severe disabilities. Adam, her husband stands with her at every time and in every decision. Both were not interested to have children at their younger age and later Jenni takes initiative to bear children. Rowan was the first child and he became more independent because of his sister Skye’s birth. Parents were devoted their whole time to take care of Skye who had catastrophic brain injury and other severe medical issues like epilepsy and other complications of Cerebral Palsy. The major part of this book deals with mental agony of a mother who had a pre knowledge about what is going to be happen to her special need child at every stage of life from pregnancy to till the age of schooling and above. Jenni Basch shares her experiences primarily as a mother and therapist by profession and special educator with her experiences with her special child.</p>2023-11-10T08:58:12+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 Aneesh Josephhttps://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1492Violence against persons with visual impairment in the Accra Metropolis2023-11-13T16:05:25+00:00Anthony Oduroanthonny.oduro@gmail.comEfua Esaaba Mantey Agyire-Tetteyeemantey@ug.edu.ghAugustina Naamianaami@ug.edu.gh<p>Persons with disabilities are at a heightened risk of violence and suffer mental health challenges as victims of violence. Although there have been some studies on violence against PWDs, persons with visual impairments experiences of violence have not been fully explored in the Ghanaian context. Adopting an interpretive phenomenological design, this study, which was part of a larger study, aimed to find out a) the types of violence persons with visual impairments experience and b) reasons why persons with visual impairment experience violence. Ten participants were purposively sampled for the study. The data was collected using in-depth interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis and from the perspective of the CDT. The study participants reportedly suffered verbal, physical, sexual, emotional, and structural violence. The study recommends, among others, that the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development embark on sensitization campaigns on disability issues to help alter negative perceptions that some people have about persons with visual impairment.<strong></strong></p><p><em>Keywords: Violence, abuse, persons with visual impairments, disability, persons with disabilities</em></p>2023-11-10T08:37:27+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 Anthony Oduro, Efua Esaaba Mantey Agyire-Tettey, Augustina Naamihttps://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1418Challenges and coping strategies adopted for effective menstrual hygiene management among intellectually disabled adolescents and their caregivers: A qualitative study2023-11-10T08:59:42+00:00Ebenezer Kwesi Armah-Ansahebenezer.armah-ansah@stu.ucc.edu.ghDorothy Oseidorothyosei332@gmail.comAbdul-Aziz Seiduabdul-aziz.seidu@stu.ucc.edu.ghBright Opoku Ahinkorahbrightahinkorah@gmail.com<div class="WordSection1"><p class="08MainText"><strong><em>Background: </em></strong>Menstruation is important for female life and reproductive health. The concern for parents or caretakers is how girls with intellectual disabilities (GWID) can have the capacity to handle menarche, menses, and sexual abuse. Therefore, this study explored the challenges and coping strategies adopted for effective menstrual hygiene management among intellectually disabled adolescents and their caregivers in Ghana. <strong><em>Methods: </em></strong>This is a cross-sectional qualitative study that involved three school caregivers, seven female intellectually disabled<strong> </strong>adolescents, and ten home-based caregivers. The study was carried out in the Asokore Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data. <strong><em>Results: </em></strong>The study revealed that both home-based and institution-based caregivers and intellectually disabled adolescents experience challenges in dealing with menstrual hygiene. These challenges include intellectually disabled<strong> adolescents</strong> destroying unused pads and misusing them. Intellectually disabled adolescents complain of abdominal pain and discomfort during menstruation. <strong>Conclusion: </strong>Caregivers go through challenges when helping intellectually disabled adolescents manage menstruation, which was revealed by the study to be time-consuming. Addressing this issue can begin with training caregivers on the best measures to practice good menstrual hygiene among intellectually disabled adolescents. Motivation (monetary and any other form) should be given to caregivers especially institution-based caregivers to keep up with their work.</p><div><p class="06Keyword"><strong>Keywords:</strong> Caregivers, intellectually disabled girls, adolescents, menstruation, menstrual hygiene management</p></div></div>2023-10-17T16:09:29+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 Dorothy Osei, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Bright Opoku Ahinkorahhttps://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1502“Ain’t I a Human”: Disabled Students, Inclusive Schooling and the Experiences of their Inclusion in India2023-11-10T08:59:42+00:00Afaq Ahmad Miraahmed3@myamu.ac.in<p class="05Abstracttext">In school education, an ongoing interest in exploring the voices of disabled students has been reflected in a number of studies in western societies. However, literature reveals that despite strong advocacy for inclusion, the reality of school life for students with disabilities remains largely one of continued exclusion and barriers to learning. In most developing countries, including India, the voices of the students with disabilities appear significantly unexplored, not only in the policy making process but in the research as well. This paper aims to address this lacuna by focusing on exploring the disabled students` educational experiences, the barriers and support they encountered in school education, and the attitudes they experienced from the school community. Results of the study demonstrate common experiences of a lack of support networks and differential experiences of socio-cultural activities. The article indicates the need for refining school practices and adopting more nuanced approaches to inclusion. </p><div><p class="06Keyword"><strong>Keywords</strong>: Disabled students voices, inclusive schooling, barriers, support</p></div>2023-10-04T14:41:14+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 Afaq Ahmad Mirhttps://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1269Effect of Kinesio tape application on quality of life and functional independence among Nulligravida women with Primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized control trial2023-11-10T08:59:42+00:00Suraj Kumardrsuraj2001@yahoo.comVaibhav Kantivaibkanti13@gmail.comGowrishankar Potturipotturigowrishankar@gmail.comPushpendra Kumarpushydv15@gmail.comAnnapurna .annapurnafzd1995@gmail.com<div class="WordSection1"><p class="05Abstracttext">Background & Purpose: Dysmenorrhea has a high impact on the quality of living and functional independence is restricted. This study focuses on the new approach known as taping on dysmenorrhea in alleviating pain and improving quality of life. <em>Methods:</em> A total of 66 subjects after satisfying inclusion criteria were recruited and randomly divided into two groups, Group A (control)(n=32) and Group B (Experimental)(n=34) after obtaining written consent. Group A (Control group)- Single-day dose of Pain - relieving medications administered three times a day and repeated on the first day of menstruation in the second month. Group B taping is applied for three days starting from the day of menstruation for the first month after enrollment, and then on the second month. <em>Results:</em> Repeated measures ANOVA determined that mean GPS levels differed statistically between time points and between the groups with time at p<0.001. The post hoc comparisons revealed that the results were significant after the second month of application. The effect size was revealed to a large effect size. <em>Conclusion:</em> From the results attained, this study concludes that a series of sequential taping for a minimum period of 2 months improves the quality of life and functional independence in nulligravida women.</p><div><p class="06Keyword">Keywords: Dysmenorrhea, physiotherapy, kinesio taping, GPS</p></div></div><p> </p>2023-10-04T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 Suraj kumar, Vaibhav Kanti, GowriShankar Potturi, Pushpendra Kumar, Annapurna .https://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1507Exploring Challenges of Women with Disabilities in Accessing Higher Education2023-11-10T08:59:42+00:00Ratan Sarkarratanedu@pkcollegecontai.ac.in<div class="WordSection1"><div class="WordSection1"><p class="05Abstracttext">The review paper explores the difficulties that women with disabilities face in accessing higher education in India. There is an urgent need to identify and overcome the significant barriers faced by women with disabilities in accessing higher education. According to research, students with disabilities are less likely to complete their university degrees, and there are fewer women with disabilities enrolled in higher education. This article identifies the causes of the low participation rate of female students with disabilities in higher education. Due to their colour, age, language, society, culture, and religion, as well as their impairment, women with disabilities frequently face tremendous obstacles of injustice and prejudice. Higher education institutions frequently exclude and devalue women with disabilities. It has been proven that women with disabilities are capable of having the same success as those who are not disabled. For women who have disabilities, the risk of sexual, emotional, and physical abuse is three times higher. The most significant ones among the many that contribute to the mistreatment, discrimination, and exclusion of women in or from higher education in India are poverty, sexual abuse, rigid policy, indifferent reactions, limited learning resources, a lack of technology, untrained faculty, negative peer and staff attitudes, inaccessible library and infrastructure, inadequate transport options, a lack of accessible housing, and others.</p><div><p class="06Keyword"><strong>Keywords:</strong> Women with disabilities, higher education, accessibility, challenges, overcoming strategies</p></div></div></div>2023-09-30T11:59:35+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 Ratan Sarkarhttps://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1487Evalution of Family Life Quality of Parents with Intellectual Disability Children2023-11-10T08:59:42+00:00Çigdem Müge Haylichayli17@ku.edu.trDilek Demir Kösemdilekdemir@hakkari.edu.trNazli Melis Misyagcimelismisyagci@gmail.com<p class="05Abstracttext">This study was conducted to evaluate the quality of family life of parents with intellectually disabled children and to emphasize its importance. It is a descriptive study. The study group of the research consisted of parents with intellectual disabilities children. The data required for the research are; It was collected by online survey (Google form) method from 300 parents who participated voluntarily and selected by simple sampling with written consent. The socio-demographic data collection form for parents and the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale (BCFQLS) were used to collect data, and t-tests and regression analysis were used in data analysis. It was concluded that the family quality of life perceptions of the parents participating in the study was moderate. However, it was determined that the quality of family life related to family interaction, parenting, emotional competence, physical/material/financial competence, and support for inadequacy was low. In the study, it was found that the variables of the number of children of the participating parents and the disability level of the disabled child had a significant effect on family interaction, parenting, emotional competence, financial/physical/material competence, and support for disability (p<0.05). It has been concluded that the quality of family life of the parents is affected by many variables such as the disabled status of their children. Conducting research that will increase the family life quality of parents in the field will be guiding.</p><div><p class="06Keyword">Keywords: Intellectual disability, family quality of life</p></div>2023-09-27T05:32:12+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 Çigdem Müge Haylihttps://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1516Intelligent Love: The Story of Clara Park, Her Autistic Daughter, and the Myth of the Refrigerator Mother2023-09-27T10:17:36+00:00Kamlesh Kumar Sahuwithkamlesh@gmail.com<p class="08MainText"><span lang="EN-US">The term "Refrigerator Mother" was a controversial theory that emerged in the mid-20th century to explain the cause of autism. It suggested that mothers, particularly those who were emotionally cold and distant, were to blame for their children developing autism. The theory implied that the lack of maternal warmth and affection resulted in emotional deprivation, leading to the child's autistic behaviors and social difficulties.</span></p>2022-04-19T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2022 Kamlesh Kumar Sahuhttps://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1249Comparison of Psychological Dimensions in Rural Population with Various Joint Degenerative Arthritis2023-09-27T10:17:36+00:00Sunil Kumarsksrimsnr@gmail.comSuraj Kumarsurajdr2001@yahoo.comRamakant Yadavrkyadav_2003@yahoo.comGowriShankar Potturipotturigowrishankar@gmail.comPrerna .prernaojha12@gmail.com<p>Background & purpose: Osteoarthritis patients often suffer from anxiety which can affect the disease prognosis. This study is aimed at assessing the various psychological dimensions in different joint arthritic subjects of the rural population and find the most common joint arthritis that can lead to anxiety in the rural population. Material and methods: A total of 252 subjects satisfied the inclusion criteria and were recruited for the study after written informed consent and were asked to fill in the Global Plan Scale (GPS) online through Google forms. The “feelings†subscale assesses the patient’s psychological stress due to pain and disease. The psychological dimensions of subsection feelings of GPS were analyzed by one-way ANOVA to assess whether there is a difference on average in the scores among the three groups at a p < 0.05 significant level. Tukey HSD was used for post hoc pair–wise comparisons. Results: One-way ANOVA results showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups for fear, level of anxiety, depression, stress, and fatigue. Tukey HSD post hoc comparison revealed that the results were statistically significant for fear (Q = 3.35, p = 0.04), fatigue levels (Q = 3.69, p = 0.02). The Tukey HSD post hoc comparison for levels of anxiety, depression, and stress was not statistically significant. Conclusion: From<br />this study, we conclude that anxiety, fatigue, and fear are highly prevalent in hip osteoarthritis. Anxiety is associated with all joint osteoarthritis and can result in poor quality of living. We recommend physicians emphasize psychological dimensions and address them at an early stage in order to achieve a better prognosis in degenerative joint diseases.</p><p>Keywords: Anxiety, Global pain scale, Osteoarthritis,</p>2022-04-17T12:05:47+00:00Copyright (c) 2022 Sunil Kumar, Suraj Kumar, Ramakant Yadav, GowriShankar Potturi, Prerna .https://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1231Profile for People with Intellectual Disabilities in the Dhaka and Pabna regions of Bangladesh2023-09-27T10:17:36+00:00Kabirul Islamkabirul.pharm@gmail.comMohammad Sarowar Uddinpharmasarowar@gmail.comMohammad Safiqul Islamresearch_safiq@yahoo.comShafayet Ahmed Siddiquishafayetahmed91.sa@gmail.comMd. Saddam Hussainshussain070591@gmail.comMd. Shalahuddin Millatmillat.phar@nstu.edu.bd<div class="WordSection1"><p class="05Abstracttext">Intellectual disability (ID) is a mental ailment described by noteworthy limitations both in intellectual working and adaptive manners covering a range of everyday social and practical skills. About 2–3% of the general population globally are affected by ID. The objectives of this study was to explore the prevalence, etiology, abnormal behaviors, diagnosis, and treatment received of people with ID in Dhaka and Pabna regions of Bangladesh. This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 intellectually disabled admitted patients in three Bangladeshi psychiatric hospitals from June 2018 to November 2019. Patients and their guardians (in which cases patients were not capable to communicate) were directly questioned for collecting data. Males (76 %) were highly prevalent to ID than females (24 %) in Bangladesh ancestry. The age range was from 10 years to maximum 30 years. Unmarried peoples were highly dominant to ID than married peoples. Genetic (78%) was the most common cause of ID. Approximately, 80% of people with ID were used to hitting others. Sleep problem (44%) was the most frequently occurring associated disorders in people with ID. Blood test (88%) and interview with guardians (88%) were the most well-known methods for the diagnosis of ID while the most commonly used medicament was antipsychotics (86%) for ID in Bangladesh. The present study reflected the current scenario of prevalence, etiology, abnormal behaviors, associated illness, diagnosis, and treatment approaches of ID in Bangladesh.  </p><div><p class="06Keyword">Keywords: ID, prevalence, etiology, abnormal behaviors, diagnosis, treatment</p></div></div>2022-03-11T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2022 Md. Shalahuddin Millat, Kabirul Islam, Mohammad Sarowar Uddin, Shafayet Ahmed Siddiqui, Md. Saddam Hussain, Mohammad Safiqul Islamhttps://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1275Inpatient Geratric Rehabilitation Modification in Pandemic Era and The Effect to ADL Improvement2023-09-27T10:17:36+00:00Luh Karunia Wahyuniluhkwahyuni@gmail.comMelinda Harinimelindaharini@gmail.comRizky Kusuma Wardhanirizkykusumawardhani@yahoo.co.idSteven Setionos.stevensetiono@gmail.comWidjajalaksmi Kusumaningsihdokterwidjajalaksmi@gmail.comArini Putriheryantiarini.putriheryanti@gmail.comTesa Takwariftesatakwarif@gmail.com<div class="WordSection1"><p class="05Abstracttext"><strong>Introduction</strong>: The infection prevention and control activities during the COVID-19 outbreak may affect every aspect in medical services, including medical rehabilitation. In geriatric patients, rehabilitation programs are essential to help in overcoming consequences of physical and cognitive impairments, and to prevent functional decline after hospitalization. To protect both patients and healthcare professionals, direct contact through visits/ward round by healthcare professionals will be reduced, and the rehabilitation programs will be emphasized on patient’s independence and/or caregiver competence. This study aims to evaluate the impact of service adjustment to functional capacity of the inpatient geriatric population in RSCM, Jakarta. <strong>Method:</strong> This is a cross-sectional study. Data were taken through 45 medical records of geriatric patients who received inpatient care before the pandemic (2016 to February 2020) and during the pandemic (from March 2020). Functional ability was assessed by Barthel Index at hospital admission and discharge. <strong>Result</strong>: From 23 geriatric patients who received inpatient care before the pandemic, the mean difference of Barthel Index was 4.69. After the pandemic, the mean difference of Barthel Index from 22 patients was 2.75. However, this is not statistically significant (<em>p</em> = 0.074). The mean length of stay reduced from 20.2 days pre the pandemic, to 17.47 days during the pandemic (<em>p</em> = 0.413) <strong>Conclusion</strong> There was no statistically significant difference in Barthel Index and length of stay due to service adjustment in Medical Rehabilitation Department during the COVID-19 era. There may be other factors contributing to patient’s recovery other than differences in health care services that are not analyzed in this study. Therefore, a larger study is required to prove this beneficial effect.<em></em></p><div><p class="06Keyword">Keywords: Rehabilitation; geriatric; inpatient; recovery of function; coronavirus; pandemic</p></div></div>2022-03-02T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2022 Luh Karunia Wahyuni, Melinda Harini, Rizky Kusuma Wardhani, Steven Setiono, Widjajalaksmi Kusumaningsih, Arini Putriheryanti, Tesa Takwarifhttps://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1237Using Photovoice in Disability Research in the Global South: Methodological Lessons from Ghana2023-09-27T10:17:36+00:00Augustina NaamiANaami@ug.edu.gh<div class="WordSection1"><p class="05Abstracttext">Photovoice is a participatory action research approach that empowers and gives a voice to the people who have little or no voice in policy decisions. This approach has been used in diverse settings, social problems, and marginalized populations. Although photovoice has been employed in disability research, most studies were conducted in the global North. Also, there is death in the literature about methodological challenges and lessons learned while using photovoice involving persons with disabilities. This paper discusses methodological challenges and lessons learned in using photovoice to understand transportation and built-environment barriers that persons with mobility disabilities encountered in the Accra metropolis of Ghana. The lessons could guide future research and probably encourage more of researchers to use photovoice to advance policy and practice decisions that could improve the full-effective participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the global South, where poverty is more concentrated.<em></em></p><div><p class="06Keyword">Keywords: Photovoice, Ghana, Disability, Accessibility, Methodology, Global South</p></div></div>2022-02-18T13:37:45+00:00Copyright (c) 2022 Augustina Naamihttps://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1219Introducing First Screen: A Software Application for Students at Risk for Specific Learning Disabilities2023-09-27T10:17:36+00:00Geet Oberoigeet@orkidsped.comDiksha Gajriadikshagajria.06@gmail.comKrishnaveni Acharykrishnaveni.achary@gmail.comGiang PhamGPHAM@sdsu.edu<p><strong>Background: </strong>Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) impacts millions of children worldwide. Without accurate diagnosis and intervention, children with SLD show poor academic and long-term outcomes. A vital step towards addressing the needs of children with SLD is to screen for the risk of SLD and advise families on when to seek further evaluation. The First Screen app by Orkids, New Delhi, was designed as a screening tool to facilitate early identification. It was created to be freely accessible and easy to use for parents and teachers.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the First Screen app. We report on the reliability and validity of this screening tool including how well this report measure corresponds to a direct measure of student achievement.</p><p><strong>Setting and Design:</strong> A total of 284 respondents completed the First Screen app to report on the abilities of children, ages 6 to 11. All respondents were parents or teachers living in India who completed the First Screen app in English. The app is designed to be user friendly so that individuals can independently provide information about a child using an Android device.</p><p><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> The First Screen app measures nine domains: Reading, Writing, Oral language, Mathematics, Motor and Sensory, Social skills, Attention/hyperactivity, Executive Functioning, and Memory. Upon completion, the First Screen app immediately provides one of three recommendations: Full Assessment for children with low ratings in 3 or more domains, Watch and See for children with low ratings in 1-2 domains; and No Concern for children with no low ratings. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s coefficient alphas for the total score and nine domains. Concurrent validity was measured in three ways. First, we conducted ANOVAs to determine group differences in the total score and domains. Second, we calculated Cramer’s V to examine the correlation between the categorical results of the First Screen and a standardized test of achievement. This correlation was based on a subset of participants (n = 84) who completed both First Screen and standardized testing. Third, we calculated diagnostic accuracy measures of sensitivity and specificity to compare the First Screen recommendation of Full Assessment to the results of direct testing.</p><p><strong>Outcomes and results: </strong>Cronbach’s alphas for<strong> </strong>the total items of the First Screen app was 0.979, suggesting very good overall internal consistency. Alphas across domains ranged from 0.835 to 0.943, indicating high internal consistency for each domain. Group comparisons revealed that the Full Assessment group scored the highest, the No Concern group scored the lowest, and the Watch and See group scored in between. The correlation between the categorical results of the First Screen and the standardized test was moderate to strong with Cramer’s V of .436. Sensitivity reached an adequate level (0.81), while specificity was low (0.57). However, for the purpose of screening, high sensitivity is required, and a lower degree of specificity is tolerable (Bujang & Adnan, 2016).</p><p><strong>Conclusions and Implications: </strong>First Screen is a reliable and valid screening tool to help identify students at risk for specific learning disabilities. Advantages to this tool are free access, ease of use, and availability in Hindi and English.</p>2022-02-17T17:15:22+00:00Copyright (c) 2022 Geet Oberoi, Diksha Gajria, Krishnaveni Achary, Giang Phamhttps://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1179Young Girls With Developmental Disabilities in the Himalayas- A Closer Look!2022-02-12T04:46:56+00:00Shubha Nageshshubha.nagesh@gmail.comAmanda Nicole Dorseydorseya21@mail.wlu.eduColin Weisschweiss@email.gwu.eduAshley Darcy-Mahoneyadarcymahoney@email.gwu.eduMegha Girdharmegha@latikaroy.orgSpoorti Chimmalgispoorti.chimmalgi@gmail.com<p class="05Abstracttext"><strong>Background:</strong> Research exploring disability and gender are limited in India. The documented few opine largely about the double discrimination, impacting access and utilization of intervention services. The Latika Roy Foundation, a non-profit providing intervention services for children with developmental disabilities, found that proportionally more young males compared to females utilize their services. Consequently, these researchers aim to understand why. <strong>Procedure</strong><strong>:</strong> 24 families participated in a semi-structured home-based interview. All their daughters had been assessed to have a developmental disability, were aged 3-10 years, were living in and around Dehradun, India, but were not currently accessing intervention services. <strong>Results</strong><strong>:</strong> Families had a reduced knowledge about the disability, poor understanding about the urgency of early intervention, and yet a keenness to do everything possible. Limitations included remote locations, unavailable transportation, and impeding family structures. All the families reported significant concern for their daughter with a disability and had a positive approach to the challenges they faced, though they had difficulties physically accessing services. <strong>Implications:</strong> The study data challenges the predominant dialogue around the intersection between gender and disability in the region. These findings are optimistic for the future of disability and gender equality and India. </p>2021-12-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2022 Shubha Nagesh, Amanda Nicole Dorsey, Colin Weiss, Ashley Darcy-Mahoney, Megha Girdhar, Spoorti Chimmalgihttps://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1197Autism in the Movies: Stereotypes and Their Effects on Neurodiverse Communities2022-02-12T04:46:56+00:00Theodoto Wafula Ressatheodoto@hotmail.comAlana Goldsteintheodoto@hotmail.com<p class="05Abstracttext">The ‘positive’ representation of autism in the film has increased considerably in the past decade. This paper examines the representation of characters with autism in three films to discern the influence on viewers’ perceptions of children with autism. Data were thematically analyzed based on the disability studies framework. Findings show that films feature common stereotypes of those with autism that are less representative of the autistic population. These stereotypes can lead viewers to develop false perceptions and beliefs about the real people with autism. The fact that popular autism success stories in contemporary media can be deceiving, there is a need for media literacy for viewers such as educators who have direct interaction with learners with disabilities.</p><div><p class="06Keyword">Keywords: Autism, media, savant, disability, perception, educators</p></div>2021-12-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2021 theodoto ressahttps://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1284Teachers’ Differentiated Assessment Practices for Secondary Students with Exceptionalities: The More, the Better?2022-02-12T04:46:56+00:00Pei-Ying Linpei-ying.lin@usask.ca<p align="left">A majority of the students with special needs who wrote the large-scale assessments received multiple test accommodations (e.g., assistive technology, computer, scribe) that change the regular test administration conditions in ways that support these students in demonstrating their knowledge and skills. This study examined bundled accommodations by conducting a comprehensive review of 11 groups of students with special needs writing large-scale math and literacy assessments in Ontario, Canada. We concluded that receiving complex bundled accommodations did not necessarily mean better math or literacy achievements. However, we found that teachers may offer more accommodations to students for a high-stakes literacy test than they did for the low-stakes math assessment. Furthermore, the results of this study show that high percentages of bundled accommodations were provided with only one student in a given group with special needs. Directions for future research and implications for education are also discussed in this paper.</p>2021-12-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2022 Pei-Ying Linhttps://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1203Life after Lower Limb Amputation: A Meta- Aggregative Systemic Review of the Effect of Amputation on Amputees2022-02-12T04:46:56+00:00Priyanka Beherapriyankalipi20@gmail.comManaswini Dashmanaswinidash@ymail.com<p class="05Abstracttext"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Purpose:</span></strong><span lang="EN-US"> To explore the lived experience of lower limb amputees with respect to their lives following amputation, both before as well as after using prosthesis. <strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> Meta-aggregation of qualitative studies in the field of lower limb amputation was conducted utilizing the Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (QARI) designed for the synthesis of qualitative research by the Joanna Briggs Institute, 2011. The searches were carried out between September to November 2019. The reviewed studies had samples consisting of adult having lower limb amputation and prosthesis use. A total of 68 potentially relevant papers published in the period starting from 1978 to November 2019 were identified and finally eight papers were included for the meta-aggregation. <strong>Result:</strong> The meta-synthesis of the findings from the eight studies considered derived three major themes, i.e., amputation as a sense of exclusion from life, embodiment of new self-identity and prosthesis enabled identity.<strong>Conclusion:</strong> Lower limb amputation affects the physical as well as psychological well-being of an amputee. This review also features the importance of prosthesis in the life of lower limb amputees in reviving them from the negative impacts of amputation.</span></p>2021-12-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2022 Priyanka Behera, Manaswini Dashhttps://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1199First Generation College Students and Disability: Assistance with College Experience2022-02-12T04:46:56+00:00Wendy Killamwkkillam@sfasu.eduYuleinys A Castilloyuchas@hotmail.com<p class="08MainText">First-generation college students (FGCS) experience a unique social, cultural, and personal dynamic affecting their college experience and academic success. Being an FGCS with a disability entitles dual categories that reflect multiple challenges and needs. Because students affairs professional play a key role in academic success, this paper aims to identify challenges, support, and strengths of FGCS with and without disability. Understanding the experience of these student groups improve social equity and support opportunities for social mobility. </p><p>Keywords: College students, disability, higher education, university</p>2021-12-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2022 Wendy Killam, Yuleinys A Castillohttps://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1208Determinants of Health-related Quality of Life of Mothers having Children with Cerebral Palsy in Brahmanbaria PSOSK, Bangladesh2022-02-12T04:46:56+00:00Kazi Jonayed Ahmedjonayed45@gmail.comSubeer Debnathsubeer.debnath@gmail.comMd Ashraful Alam2017452018@dps.du.ac.bdIndira Bhattacharjeeindira.bhatt92@gmail.comMd Mahmudul Hasanoctemon87@gmail.com<p class="05Abstracttext">Children with cerebral palsy (CP) need more attention and care, especially from their mothers. This can affect the mothers’ quality of life (QOL) adversely. This study sought to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of mothers of children with CP and their determine, especially those receiving treatment for their children at Brahmanbaria, PSOSK in Bangladesh. Using a convenient sampling method, 70 mothers with children aged 2-12 years with CP from the Brahmanbaria PSOSK were selected and enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Mothers’ mean age ± standard deviation was 29.79 ± 4.02 years. The maximum child had spastic type of CP (68%). It is found that family income, type of family, living with husband, number of children and children age had significant influence (p<.05) on the HRQOL of mothers for certain domains. In addition, caring for a child with CP had significantly influenced on the HRQOL of the mothers, irrespective of their socio-economic status. Measures to improve quality of life and health of mothers of children with cerebral palsy should be incorporated in the management of CP with emphasis on identified areas of need.</p><p class="05Abstracttext">Keywords: Health, Quality of Life, Cerebral Palsy, Determinants</p>2021-12-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2022 Kazi Jonayed Ahmed, Subeer Debnath, Md Ashraful Alam, Indira Bhattacharjee, Md Mahmudul Hasanhttps://pubs.iscience.in/journal/index.php/jds/article/view/1311Disability Stigma and COVID-19 Response: Impact of Early Resource Allocation Policies and Recommendations for Countering Stigma in Public Health Crisis2022-02-12T04:46:56+00:00Andjela Kaurandjela.kaur@und.eduDimity Peterdimity.peter@umb.edu<p class="Default"><span>This paper examines the intersection between disability stigma and early responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. We begin with a key text, the Department of Human Services Office of Civil Right</span><span lang="AR-SA" dir="RTL">’</span><span>s Bulletin, the document which provided initial guidance on an inclusive response to crisis, and analyze the central role of disability stigma in the creation of disability-conscious pandemic management. Next, we discuss several early stigma-based resource allocation policies, and note ways that disability stigma negatively affected disabled people at the onset of the pandemic. Finally, we suggest three interventions to reduce disability stigma on an individual, organizational and system level.</span><strong></strong></p>2021-12-23T10:33:04+00:00Copyright (c) 2021 Andjela Kaur, Dimity Peter