Jessica kingsley

The collection of 1300 picture symbols in ISPEEK at Home provides an easy-to-use and enjoyable tool for overcoming communication difficulties in children with autistic spectrum disorders. The CD-ROM contains symbols for a wide range of situations typically encountered in the home and beyond, from feelings and facial expressions - common problem areas for people with autism - to health and hygiene and holidays.

This chapter reviews a community based action research project undertaken within the Older People's Directorate of Shropshire's Mental Health NHS Trust. The project investigated how statutory bodies might best facilitate the involvement of carers. The work focused on carers of mentally infirm older people and the carers of dementia sufferers. The research sought to explore, and find solutions to, known barriers to participation such as poor communication routes, paternalistic organisation cultures and a non-homogenous user group. It was conducted in three phases.

The changing role of users and carers in the care system is examined. The four main user groups are identified as those with physical disabilities, learning disabilities or mental health problems and older people. The growth of the Disabled Living Movement since the 1970s has radically altered thinking and policy, but changes in practice have been slower. Normalisation theory has dominated service development for those with learning disabilities. Difficulties in implementing a care in the community policy for mental health are discussed.