The document discusses a disability study program at the University of Iceland aimed at students with learning disabilities, emphasizing inclusive education and collaborative learning experiences. It covers various research projects conducted by students, including life-history research and interviews with older individuals with disabilities about their living conditions. Key findings highlight the importance of location, staff support, and accessibility for enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities.

1. Data analyzes in a disability study
course in university education
for people with learning
disabilities
Ólafur Snævar Aðalsteinsson
Embla Rún Hakadóttir
Guðrún V. Stefánsdóttir

2. Overview
 University education for
people with learning
disabilities
 Disability studies – course
 Data analyzes
 Research on Living
Conditions of Older People
with Disabilities

3. Diploma program for people with learning
disabilities at the University
• A two years semi profssional program
started in 2007 at the University of
Iceland, within the School of
Education, division of Social Education
• Inclusive education – the diploma
students are not in a special
education – they are studying with
other students, in the same courses at
the univesity
• Two groups have graduated (2009
and 2011); 38 students
• The third group who began their
studies in the autumn term of 2011,
are graduating in June 2013 (17)

4. Disability studies
• Diploma students and
B.A. students in social
education study together
• Share the contents of the
course
• Evaluation of the course:
inclusive research

5. Inclusive research
Small work groups
Examples of projects
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–
–
–
–
–
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Friendship in pre-schools
Employment and disability
Coffee shop project
Living in group homes
Independent living
Life-history work
Older people with
disabilities

6. Analyzing data together
• The students in the disability – studies course
learn research methods and to analyze data
• Method:
– Participatory research – inclusive research
– Social histories - Cartoon conversations (Carol Grey)
– Based on three known cartoon converstation forms
– We use balloons to analyze the conversation: Talkballoons, thought - balloons and emotion - balloons

7. Example
Life-history research
• Research question:
– What have two women of the
same age in common, one with
learning disability and the other
without?
– They started to interview each
other and tape recorded the
conversations
– Then they analyzed the data
together and used the cartoon
balloons
– Find themes

8. From life-history conversation
Hildur: We should be aware of the rights of disabled people, don‘t you think so?
Sigurbjörg: I agree, I don‘t like when disabled pepole are treated badly, It is not right, every one should be
equal, I really belive that.
Hildur: People with Down syndrome are somtimes called mongolids, I don‘t like that, It is not right. It hurts
when you are called a mongolid, it make me sad.
Sigurbjörg: I can very well understand that. That is not fear.
Hildur: Do you have children
Sigurbjörg: Yes. Do you know I had a three years old twin daughters, one with disability and another
without. The one with disability died last year. Thats why I am studying social pedagogy and I think I can
maybe understand your feelings better because of my experience.
Hildur: so, so sad you must be sad to loose your daughter. Have you a photo of her? Did you know that I
have a twin sister, she is not with disability and we are very good friends.
Sigurbjörg: Is it realy! My youngest sisters are also twins –we have a lot in common. We should take photos
of our families with us next time. What about your family? I saw your mother with you yesterday.
Hildur: We are very good friends and she is a nurse, what about yours?
Sigurbjörg: No it can‘t be true, mine too.
Hildur: I really like children but people like me don‘t have children, I think that is unfair

9. Thought-Balloon
Lot in common,
understand
each other better
Be aware of the rights of
disabled people
People should not be called
mongolid
Peole should be equal
Emotion-Balloon

10. Research on Living Conditions
of Older People with Disability
Researchers: Dagný, Embla, Ólafur
and Þórey

11. Research question:
What makes older
people with disability
happy with their living
conditions?

12. Interviews
• We visited a home for
elderly people and a
neighbourhood for blind
people
• We did the interviews in
the people’s homes
• Saw how they lived
• The interviews went well

13. Talk - Balloon
Part of the staff were
immigrants that didn‘t
speak Icelandic

14. Thought - Balloon

15. Emotion- Balloon
Sad
Angry
Relieved

16. Results
What people found important:
–Location
–Staff
–Support
–Access
– Aðgengi
– Staff
– Support
– Staðsetning

17. MY WISH
Poems and Pictures on Happiness of Older
People with Disability

18. Location
Where do I want to be?
In a good place,
Somewhere near the centre.
With view to all directions.

19. Staff
The staff usually
Does a good job.
If they want their salary
They must do their best.

20. Support
The staff runs around
Cleaning.
The people with disability
Are thankful. See you later!

21. Access
Access is important
For people with disabilities
So they can get around
All day long.

22. Thank you!