ABSTRACT
Art and movement are motivating forces in, though, and beyond education. As populations age, there is an increasing need to support physical and social well‐being. Yet, since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, there has been a reported exponential increase in feelings of loneliness across generations. Complex challenges require trans‐disciplinary solutions, and this paper represents a joint effort within and across disciplines, communities and cultures to find ways to ameliorate this silent epidemic. In this paper, we propose a cross‐disciplinary conceptual framework where Aboriginal Artists and Knowledge Holders, Teacher Educators, and Physical and Occupational Therapists come together to explore theoretical and pedagogical insights that encompass intergenerational art–moving–well‐being practices, reducing feelings of loneliness and improving social connections across generations. There are two main aims of this paper;first, to better understand current studies that report on integrating art–moving–well‐being practices, and the effect this has on health and well‐being of intergenerational participants (under 10‐year‐olds, 20+ year olds and 50+ year olds). Second, based on community needs, the long‐term aim is to propose a flexible art–moving–well‐being conceptual model that is scalable, sustainable and based on social and relational support systems. We propose a model that is flexible and adaptable within and across our local community and beyond. We argue that feelings of loneliness are unique to each individual, and there is a need to connect specific intergenerational programmes with art–moving–well‐being practices that readily engage and integrate varied communities and cultures in sustainable ways and thus, contribute to thriving communities. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of International Journal of Art & Design Education is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate a dog-walking program (called "Dog Buddies") designed to address the need for evidence-based programs that create opportunities for people with cognitive disabilities to be more socially included in mainstream society. The research question was: Does community dog walking foster social interaction for people with cognitive disabilities? MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-case experimental design was used with four individuals (three with intellectual disability; one with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)) recruited via two disability service providers in Victoria. Target behaviours included frequency and nature of encounters between the person with disability and community members. Change was measured from baseline (five community meetings with a handler but no dog) to intervention period (five meetings minimum, with a handler and a dog). Semi-structured interviews, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, provided three participants' subjective experiences of the program. RESULTS: Dog Buddies increased the frequency of encounters for all participants. The presence of the dog helped to foster convivial encounters, community members were found to be more welcoming, and some participants were recognised or acknowledged by name over time in the intervention phase. CONCLUSIONS: The dog-walking program offered a simple means of influencing the frequency and depth of community-based social interactions for people with cognitive disabilities.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe co-presence of people with disabilities in the community with the general population does not ensure social interaction occurs.Both disability policy, and the programs or support that is provided to people with disabilities, needs to have a strong commitment to the inclusion of people with disabilities in mainstream communities.Dog Buddies is a promising example of a program where the presence of a pet dog has been demonstrated to support convivial, bi-directional encounters of people with cognitive disabilities and other community members.Dog-walking offers a simple means of influencing the frequency and depth of community-based social interactions for people with cognitive disabilities.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: One of the greatest challenges faced by people following a spinal cord injury is reintegrating into the community. Peer mentors are people who have had shared experiences of disadvantage and distress and have successfully navigated their way through the associated challenges to lead meaningful lives. Historically, peer mentoring services have been predominantly delivered via face-to-face interactions. Little is known about the experience of people with spinal cord injury engaging in online peer support services, and what the challenges and benefits are of this mode of delivery. METHODS: An anonymous online survey consisting of closed and open response questions was used to collect data. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and qualitative data were analysed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS: Positive benefits of engaging in peer support via videoconferencing included convenience and social connectedness. The main barriers were problems with Wi-Fi and internet connections, inconsistencies between platforms and having to learn new platforms. Even though responses were mixed when comparing videoconferencing to face-to-face peer support, most participants felt socially connected. CONCLUSIONS: Addressing barriers through the provision of appropriate technology, and targeted and individualised assistance, is important to facilitate uptake of online peer support for people with spinal cord injury.