Restrictive practices on refugees in Australia with intellectual disability and challenging behaviours: a family ’s story

Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities,Volume 10, Issue 4, July 2016. Purpose This paper explores the experiences of a refugee family navigating complex disability and restrictive practice service systems. Living with disability, or caring for someone with disability can compound the disadvantage and marginalisation already experienced by refugees. The nexus between disability and refugee status, particularly intellectual disability and restrictive practices, has received little scholarly attention and almost nothing is known of people ’s experiences in this situation. Design/methodology/approach Thematic analysis of a case study is used to illustrate the experiences of a refugee family in this situation. The case study presented was part of a larger ethnographic study exploring the experiences of people of refugee background living with disability. Findings There were numerous barriers to accessing appropriate services. The family experienced high levels of stress simultaneously navigating the resettlement process and the disability service system. They were poorly informed and disempowered regarding the care of their loved one and the use of restrictive practices. Experiences in the country of origin, employment responsibilities, and unfamiliarity with the service system were key factors in this family’s difficulty in safeguarding the rights of their family member with disability. Originality/value This case study examines the complexity experience...

Source: Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities - August 2, 2016 Category: Disability Source Type: research