Physical therapists' perceptions of sexual boundaries in clinical practice in the United States.

Background: Physical therapists' perceptions of sexual boundaries in clinic settings in the United States have not been studied. Given the magnitude of potential consequences of sexual boundary violations, examination of this topic is imperative.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of sexual boundaries among licensed physical therapists in the United States.

Disability reconsidered: the paradox of physical therapy.

The purposes of this perspective article are: (1) to explore models of disability from the perspective of the academic discipline of disability studies (DS), (2) to consider the paradox of improving functional capacities while valuing disability as diversity, (3) to identify how physical therapy's use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) disablement model intersects with various disability models, and (4) to apply this broader understanding of disability to physical therapist practice, education, and research. The DS literature has been critical of rehabilitation professionals, particularly targeting the medical model of disability. In contrast, advocates for a social model of disability recognize disability as diversity.

Analytical decision-making model for addressing the needs of allied health students with disabilities.

The purposes of this article are to (1) review the literature on students with disabilities (SWD) in higher education with a particular focus on allied health and related professions, and (2) propose an analytical decision-making model for assessing students' needs and providing reasonable accommodations in allied health education. Increasing numbers of SWD are entering higher education, but the rate of success for these students is lower than the rate for their nondisabled peers. A multitude of factors impact SWD, including the direct effects of the disabilities on learning and performing essential functions, academic and clinical faculty knowledge of the impact of disability in educational settings and their experience implementing accommodations, and the impact of legislation and institutional policies on service delivery.

Self- and caregiver-reported experiences of young adults with developmental disabilities.

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of young adults with developmental disabilities (DD) who were living in community settings with the aid of government-supported services. Six male and 10 female volunteer subjects (mean age = 24 years) were interviewed and the narrative data were analyzed revealing themes in six categories: (1) Home Life, (2) Relationships, (3) Health and Health Care, (4) Personal Growth and Accomplishments, (5) Occupation, and (6) Transportation. Subjects' most positive experiences were associated with integrated, comprehensive and timely services delivered by knowledgeable and sensitive service providers.

Perceived quality of life of adults with developmental and other significant disabilities.

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the perceived quality of life (PQOL) of adults with significant disabilities who were living in community settings.

Methods: Six male and six female volunteers (mean age 48 years, standard deviation 14 years), half with developmental and half with acquired disabilities, were interviewed about their quality of life. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim.