In response to ‘“Now that I'm connected this isn't social isolation, this is engaging with people”: Staying connected during the COVID‐19 pandemic’ (Natasha A. Spassiani, Mojca Becaj, Clare Miller, Andrew Hiddleston, Aaron Hume, Stephan Tait)

Abstract

The Open University's repository of research publications and other research outputsIn response to '"Now that I'm connected this isn't social isolation, this is engaging with people": Staying connected during the COVID19 pandemic ' (Natasha

The impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on jobs for people with intellectual disabilities and autism in Wales

“…Lawford et al (2023) analysed how a grassroots disability self‐advocacy organisation in Scotland increased the attendance of their members using online meetings, when compared to the face‐to‐face meetings they held before the pandemic. In this study, members lead these meetings and attendance was supporting mental well‐being and digital inclusion within a group that has often been excluded from online technology (Lawford et al, 2023).…”

“…Specifically, having a weekly engagement activity for supported participation, with young people leading part of the event in a fun and relaxed environment helped to keep young people engaged with the project. Lawford et al (2023) analysed how a grassroots disability self‐advocacy organisation in Scotland increased the attendance of their members using online meetings, when compared to the face‐to‐face meetings they held before the pandemic. In this study, members lead these meetings and attendance was supporting mental well‐being and digital inclusion within a group that has often been excluded from online technology (Lawford et al, 2023).…”

“…The activity of online Job Clubs run by job coaches, and the weekly online social engagement with the Project Lead Ambassador mitigated the social isolation experienced by young people and supported the development of new skills.Online meetings hosted by the Lead Ambassador, a person with a lived experience of autism, created connection between participants and a sense of community. Specifically, having a weekly engagement activity for supported participation, with young people leading part of the event in a fun and relaxed environment helped to keep young people engaged with the project Lawford et al (2023). analysed how a grassroots disability self-advocacy organisation in Scotland…”