CARL Research Reports 2018
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Item An exploration into factors which influence positive object play experience for children who are living with severe physical and intellectual disabilities(Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork, 2018-05) O'Connor, Deirdre; Butler, Alison; Lynch, Helen; COPE Foundation; Civil Society OrganizationBackground: Toy/object play is accepted as an integral and valued occupation for all children. Though play in general is a topic which commonly receives attention in research, object play, remains relatively unexplored especially for children with severe physical and intellectual disabilities, a population which is commonly described as experiencing ‘play deprivation’. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore factors which influence positive toy/object play experiences for children who are living with severe physical and intellectual disabilities. Method: This study took a qualitative methodology that is informed by the theoretical approaches of ethnography. This study utilises method triangulation; participant observations, semi-structured interviews and focus groups to obtain rich and in-depth findings. Participants: After ethical approval, 5 child participants, 6 parent(s)/guardian(s) and 6 teachers/SNAs were recruited. Findings: 4 major themes, ‘Play as an Occupation, Play as an Activity’; ‘An Empowered and Empowering Play Partner’; ‘The 'Just-Right' Play Object’ and ‘Considerations for Contextual participation’ as well as relevant subthemes were identified through thematic analysis. The interaction between the play form, play object and play context (including environment and social supports) is highlighted clearly within these analytical themes. Implications for practice: Although the findings are specific to this study sample, play facilitators may use them to further their understanding of the nature of object play for this population and inform future play interactions. By recognising the multiple facets of positive play influence, object play can be better understood and championed as a central to these children's occupational lives.Item Treasure Ballybrannigan beach(Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork, 2018-05-11) Rooney, Catherine; McKermott, Fiachra; D’Aughton, Malgorzata; Ballybrannigan Community Group; Civil Society OrganizationThe main aim of the project was to raise an awareness of the problems that Ballybranigan beach was facing in terms of the erosion damage that had been caused by the sea, and it was thought that if we could gather enough information about the beach, the extended area and how it is still used by the local people and tourists, that the council would be more easily convinced to make the necessary repairs. Approximately 3 months into the placement we were made aware that the council agreed to begin the repair work in the summer to have the beach re-opened. The placement began on 5th December 2017 after a meeting between ourselves, Dr. Malgorzata D’Aughton of UCC School of History, William O’Halloran and Martin Galvin from the CARL Initiative and Kevin Terry and Sean Fitzgerald from the Ballybrannigan community. Dr. D’ Aughton was our supervisor for this placement, and we also kept in constant contact with William from CARL and Kevin and Sean as well whenever we needed guidance on a particular matter. Beginning in December 2017 and ending in May 2018 our work on this project lasted approximately 6 months. It was never concentrated in one particular area, as we were not working in an institution or an office every day, rather we were working on the placement from various locations.Item Igloos all year round: an examination of the views of young people into spaces and places in Douglas(Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork, 2018-04-19) Tips, Stephanie; O’Suilleabhain, Fiachra; Douglas Matters; Civil Society OrganizationThis research was carried out in collaboration with Douglas Matters as part of a Community Academic Research Links (CARL) project. Douglas Matters is a community group that was set up to tackle the presenting issues for young people in the area. This dissertation examined the views and of young people into spaces and places in Douglas, through the use of primary, qualitative research. Photo-voice and individual interviews were used to gain an insight into the views and issues of concern of young people in the area. Secondary research, namely a literature review, explored the concept of spaces and places, recreation and the positive effects it had on young people, and community responses to children in need. Theories examined in the literature review allowed for an understanding to be gained when looking at the perception of young people in Douglas and how they interact with their environment. A significant finding of this research identified the lack of services for young people in the area, which in turn has led to feelings of boredom and exclusion. The research also found that adults perceived young people in a negative light, which has led to young people being excluded from public spaces. Based on such findings, a number of recommendations have been made which hope to enable Douglas Matters to work from the ground up, to make Douglas a better place to grow up in.Item ‘Smells like community spirit’: an exploration of stakeholders perceptions of the social needs and issues for young people in Douglas(Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork, 2018-04-19) McCarthy, Cara; Ó'Súilleabháin, Fiachra; Douglas Matters; Civil Society OrganizationArising from the ISPCC’s report, ‘Douglas Consultation Report: Consultation Proposal and Findings’ in 2016, this research was done in collaboration with the CARL initiative in UCC and with Douglas Matters. CARL promotes community-based research, allowing the voices of small community organisations to be heard. The study is part of a wider, three-part research project that focuses on the lives of young people in Douglas. This section of the research explores the perspectives of adult stakeholders in Douglas around the social issues arising for young people in the community. Interpretivism, social constructivism and community-based participatory research were the theoretical underpinnings of this research. The methodology used was primary research in the form of semi-structured interviews. Six adult stakeholders participated in these interviews, five of whom were professionally linked with the Douglas area and the final participant being a resident who held a voluntary role in the community. The adult stakeholders identified the social issues, the resources available in Douglas to address these issues and the gaps that are evident in these resources. The results of this research saw a general dissatisfaction with the services available in Douglas and the adult stakeholders discussed several ways that the gaps should be addressed. Based on the data collected, several recommendations have been made with the hope that they will inform future development of the Douglas community.Item Our place matters: an exploration of young people’s participation in the Douglas community and international models for developing community participation(Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork, 2018-04-19) Daunt, John; Ó’Súilleabháin, Fiachra; Douglas Matters; Civil Society OrganizationThis research dissertation assesses the participation of young people within the Douglas Community in County Cork, Ireland as well as considering international models of community participation. This research was proposed by the community based working group ‘Douglas Matters’ and was subsequently formulated as a CARL project. Primary research was carried out qualitatively using a survey questionnaire which was created by the researcher. This survey was then circulated to transition year students in three secondary schools in Douglas. Secondary research was also carried out in the form of a review of both domestic and international literature relating to community participation. The findings of this research indicate that there is a need for further services for y/p in Douglas and a need to develop platforms whereby y/p can have a voice in decisions affecting them. The establishment of a youth café and a local youth council are recommended.