Article

The concept of community access is a multidimensional term, which may involve
issues related to physical access, knowledge and information, power and control,
relationships and communications, advocacy, participation and quality of life
[21]. This paper discusses historical and emerging practices and interventions
related to physical access to community and community based information for
individuals with cognitive disabilities such as intellectual disability, autism
or traumatic brain injury. While much societal attention has been paid to
features of independent community access for populations such as individuals with
hearing, vision or physical disabilities, less attention has focused on
independent community access for people with intellectual and other significant
cognitive disabilities. Attitudes and actions by families and professional
service communities are often mixed for some individuals in this population. The
somewhat limited research base in these areas is explored, including a case study
review and results from several promising feasibility studies.
The paper concludes with comments concerning future prospects and recommendations for improving independent community access for persons with significant cognitive
disabilities.

Langue : ANGLAIS