Heather M Aldersey
Biographic Data
| ID | 279843 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Heather M Aldersey |
| GIVEN NAMES | Heather M |
| FAMILY NAME | Aldersey |
| SIGNATURE | ALDERSEY H M |
| AFFILIATIONS | Queen's University |
| ORCID | 0000-0001-7763-5934 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 28 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 32 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 28 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2011 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
Left out and left behind during the Covid-19 pandemic
Across Latin America, equity-deserving groups (EDGs) - including women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, migrants, and LGBTQI+ individuals - experienced disproportionate socioeconomic and health impacts during COVID-19. However, policies rarely address intersecting vulnerabilities, leaving many without adequate protection. This study examined how EDGs in Colombia and Venezuela experienced the health and health-related social impacts…
Qualitative Interview Training for Researchers with Lived Experience of Disabilities
Involving people with disabilities (researchers with lived experience of disabilities) as members of research teams enhances the relevance of findings; however, existing research provides limited guidance on how to provide inclusive training on qualitative research methods. This brief report provides lessons learned from an inclusive research training focused on conducting qualitative interviews. The training was co-developed through a partnershi…
Collaboration for the inclusion of students with disabilities in education in Gondar, Ethiopia
This article presents research findings on collaboration among educational stakeholders to promote inclusive schools and support students with disabilities. Its holistic approach identifies ecological and institutional factors that affect collaborations for inclusion, as well as the support and services that could be further explored in future research. Additionally, it highlights the lessons that education programmes could use to enhance communi…
Understanding the Parental Caregiving of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Saudi Arabia
Parents provide most of the support needed for children with cerebral palsy (CP) to increase the child's participation and independence. Understanding the experiences of parents caring for children with CP is essential for developing effective family programs and services. The current knowledge about parents' experiences in CP is based on studies in Western countries, with little known about this phenomenon in Arab countries like Saudi Arabia. Th…
Against performativity
Adapting Participatory and Creative Online Approaches in Low- and Middle-Income Context
Participatory and creative methods have gained traction in childhood disability research for eliciting children's perspectives. However, little is known about how such approaches can be meaningfully adapted to online mode in low- and middle-income contexts (LMICs), where infrastructural, technological, and cultural barriers often restrict participation. Using a case example from Mumbai, where a study on school participation among children with ph…
Understanding the State of Research Evidence Involving Parents of Children with Cerebral Palsy in the Arab Contexts
Raising a child with cerebral palsy (CP) can be both rewarding and challenging. Family caregivers, typically parents, play an important role in supporting and caring for children with CP. Research on CP family caregiving is growing, but Arab parental caregiving appears absent from this body of work. The objective was to map the scope of the existing literature about parents of children with CP in Arab contexts to identify gaps in knowledge and gu…
Natural Support for Canadians with Disabilities
Background: Natural supports provide crucial emotional, informational, and instrumental support for people with disabilities and can facilitate social inclusion and belonging. Minimal research explores natural support in Canadian contexts for people with disabilities. Purpose: This scoping review identifies how natural supports for adults with disabilities in Canada are described in published research literature. Method: Using Arksey and O’Malley…
Supporting Women after Obstetric Fistula Surgery to Enhance Their Social Participation and Inclusion
Obstetric fistula is a childbirth complication causing abnormal openings between the urinary, bowel, and genital tracts, leading to involuntary leakage and potential long-term disability. Even after surgical repair, women continue to face psychological and social challenges that affect their social inclusion and participation. This study explored family and service provider perspectives on current support systems and identified gaps affecting wom…
Addressing the Rehabilitation Needs of Women Experiencing Infertility in Ethiopia
The psychological, social, and financial disabilities caused by infertility are significant for women, particularly those living in low- and middle-income countries such as Ethiopia. Although rehabilitation can be an important form of support for such women, infertility is frequently overlooked as a disability or potential target of rehabilitation interventions. This study aimed to determine what rehabilitation-related services and supports are a…
The Limits and Contributions of Formal Support
Evidence suggests that integrated support, combining both natural and formal supports, is often essential for individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their preferred quality of life. However, studies are limited on how to organize supports so that people with developmental disabilities and their families find a balance between formal and natural supports. Often, there are systemic and personal boundaries around the nature and exten…
Family quality of life and children with disability in Ethiopia
This study contributes to global understandings of FQOL and describes practical approaches to support families of children with disabilities in an African context. The findings of this study highlight the influence of spirituality, relationships, self-sufficiency, poverty and stigma and the need for holistic support and disability awareness-raising to enhance FQOL
Designing schools for all
The Role of Community-Based Rehabilitation and Community-Based Inclusive Development in Facilitating Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities Globally
Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is a multi-sectoral strategy that addresses the human rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Justice is a core component within the social pillar of the CBR Matrix, however, there is limited understanding of how CBR and Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) programs are implementing this component globally. The CBR Global Network and partners facilitated five online dialogues in different re…
Activity and participation experiences of people with disabilities in Ethiopia
This study illustrates how marginalisation, distress and practical challenges in daily activities and social participation arise and are sustained for people with disabilities in Ethiopia. The findings can help to inform the country's efforts to enact the rights of Ethiopians with disabilities as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Perceptions of child physical discipline among Burmese migrants living in Mae Sot, Thailand
Despite the United Nation's disapproval of child physical discipline and its association with numerous negative outcomes, physical discipline continues to be used globally and is often present in countries experiencing financial or political instability. Burmese migrants living in Mae Sot, Thailand experience instability due to their experiences of socioeconomic disadvantage, cultural and religious discrimination, and forced migration. Exploring …
Last mile research
Background: The term ‘last mile’ has been used across disciplines to refer to populations who are farthest away, most difficult to reach, or last to benefit from a program or service. However, last mile research lacks a shared understanding around its conceptualization.Objectives: This project used a concept mapping process to answer the questions: what is last mile research in global health and, how can it be used to make positive change for hea…
I Don’t Know Where I Have to Knock for Support”
Introduction and Objectives : It is well-documented that single mothers in sub-Saharan Africa face unique psychosocial challenges which can lead to child health and developmental disadvantages, often impacting life trajectories for both the mother and child. Years of instability, conflict, and widespread poor governance within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have resulted in magnified challenges for parents, making it more difficult to pro…
The Bangladeshi Rights and Protection of Persons With Disability Act of 2013
The government of Bangladesh enacted the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disability Act of 2013 (the Act) in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This article sheds light on the Act with particular emphasis on (a) support offered to children with disabilities (CWDs) and their families to address their needs; and (b) the extent to which the Act is in line with the international disability policy…
Needs of families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Addis Ababa
Although family members are adapting and responding to meet their needs in the best way they can, additional support, particularly related to childcare and future planning, is essential
The experiences of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in inclusive schools in Accra, Ghana
Although children with IDDs receive peer support in inclusion, they experience diverse challenges including peer victimisation, corporal punishment and low family and teacher support in their learning. Improvement in inclusive best practices for children with IDD requires systematic efforts by diverse stakeholders to address identified challenges
When I don't have money to buy the drugs, I just manage.’—Exploring the lived experience of persons with physical disabilities in accessing primary health care services in rural Ghana
Photovoice and Persons With Physical Disabilities
Photovoice is a group analysis method often affiliated with participatory action research (PAR). It has become increasingly popular in qualitative research with people with physical disabilities. This article details the results of a study that sought to understand the scope of the literature related to how photovoice is conducted with people with physical disabilities. We performed a scoping review related to use of photovoice in physical disabi…
The Applicability of eLearning in Community-Based Rehabilitation
Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) strives to enhance quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families by increasing social participation and equalizing opportunities in the global south. Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, CBR also aims to address the high rates of poverty faced by individuals with disability. Empowerment, a pillar of CBR, involves strengthening the capacity of people with disabilities, their f…
Family Influence in Recovery from Severe Mental Illness
Family Influence in Recovery from Severe Mental Illness
When I don't have money to buy the drugs, I just manage.’—Exploring the lived experience of persons with physical disabilities in accessing primary health care services in rural Ghana
The Role of Community-Based Rehabilitation and Community-Based Inclusive Development in Facilitating Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities Globally
Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is a multi-sectoral strategy that addresses the human rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Justice is a core component within the social pillar of the CBR Matrix, however, there is limited understanding of how CBR and Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) programs are implementing this component globally. The CBR Global Network and partners facilitated five online dialogues in different re…
The United Republic of Tanzania’s National Policy on Disability
In the spirit of international cooperation and to advance human rights, many nations have signed and ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). Ratification, however, differs from implementation, as the current analysis of the disability policy of the United Republic of Tanzania reflects. Here, the authors have accepted the Tanzanian Minister for Labour, Youth Development, and Sports’ invitation f…
Designing schools for all
The Bangladeshi Rights and Protection of Persons With Disability Act of 2013
The government of Bangladesh enacted the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disability Act of 2013 (the Act) in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This article sheds light on the Act with particular emphasis on (a) support offered to children with disabilities (CWDs) and their families to address their needs; and (b) the extent to which the Act is in line with the international disability policy…
Disability advocacy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
This article frames a discussion of disability advocacy in Kinshasa by arguing the importance of disability rights legislation for the quality of life of people with disabilities and by outlining the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s situation as a nation characterized by conflict. The author provides an overview of the recent positive steps the government has taken to affirm the rights of its citizens with disabilities, discusses the strong dis…
The United Republic of Tanzania’s National Policy on Disability
In the spirit of international cooperation and to advance human rights, many nations have signed and ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). Ratification, however, differs from implementation, as the current analysis of the disability policy of the United Republic of Tanzania reflects. Here, the authors have accepted the Tanzanian Minister for Labour, Youth Development, and Sports’ invitation f…
Family perceptions of intellectual disability
When attempting to understand the construct of intellectual disability in different contexts, speaking to family members in addition to the individual with the disability may provide new insight about understandings of and responses to intellectual disability in society and may help to identify the forms of support that are available or needed to ensure the quality of life of people with disabilities. This article outlines and discusses interview…
Disability advocacy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
This article frames a discussion of disability advocacy in Kinshasa by arguing the importance of disability rights legislation for the quality of life of people with disabilities and by outlining the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s situation as a nation characterized by conflict. The author provides an overview of the recent positive steps the government has taken to affirm the rights of its citizens with disabilities, discusses the strong dis…
Family Influence in Recovery from Severe Mental Illness
The Applicability of eLearning in Community-Based Rehabilitation
Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) strives to enhance quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families by increasing social participation and equalizing opportunities in the global south. Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, CBR also aims to address the high rates of poverty faced by individuals with disability. Empowerment, a pillar of CBR, involves strengthening the capacity of people with disabilities, their f…
Photovoice and Persons With Physical Disabilities
Photovoice is a group analysis method often affiliated with participatory action research (PAR). It has become increasingly popular in qualitative research with people with physical disabilities. This article details the results of a study that sought to understand the scope of the literature related to how photovoice is conducted with people with physical disabilities. We performed a scoping review related to use of photovoice in physical disabi…
When I don't have money to buy the drugs, I just manage.’—Exploring the lived experience of persons with physical disabilities in accessing primary health care services in rural Ghana
The experiences of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in inclusive schools in Accra, Ghana
Although children with IDDs receive peer support in inclusion, they experience diverse challenges including peer victimisation, corporal punishment and low family and teacher support in their learning. Improvement in inclusive best practices for children with IDD requires systematic efforts by diverse stakeholders to address identified challenges
Needs of families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Addis Ababa
Although family members are adapting and responding to meet their needs in the best way they can, additional support, particularly related to childcare and future planning, is essential
Perceptions of child physical discipline among Burmese migrants living in Mae Sot, Thailand
Despite the United Nation's disapproval of child physical discipline and its association with numerous negative outcomes, physical discipline continues to be used globally and is often present in countries experiencing financial or political instability. Burmese migrants living in Mae Sot, Thailand experience instability due to their experiences of socioeconomic disadvantage, cultural and religious discrimination, and forced migration. Exploring …
Last mile research
Background: The term ‘last mile’ has been used across disciplines to refer to populations who are farthest away, most difficult to reach, or last to benefit from a program or service. However, last mile research lacks a shared understanding around its conceptualization.Objectives: This project used a concept mapping process to answer the questions: what is last mile research in global health and, how can it be used to make positive change for hea…
I Don’t Know Where I Have to Knock for Support”
Introduction and Objectives : It is well-documented that single mothers in sub-Saharan Africa face unique psychosocial challenges which can lead to child health and developmental disadvantages, often impacting life trajectories for both the mother and child. Years of instability, conflict, and widespread poor governance within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have resulted in magnified challenges for parents, making it more difficult to pro…
The Bangladeshi Rights and Protection of Persons With Disability Act of 2013
The government of Bangladesh enacted the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disability Act of 2013 (the Act) in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This article sheds light on the Act with particular emphasis on (a) support offered to children with disabilities (CWDs) and their families to address their needs; and (b) the extent to which the Act is in line with the international disability policy…
Activity and participation experiences of people with disabilities in Ethiopia
This study illustrates how marginalisation, distress and practical challenges in daily activities and social participation arise and are sustained for people with disabilities in Ethiopia. The findings can help to inform the country's efforts to enact the rights of Ethiopians with disabilities as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Family quality of life and children with disability in Ethiopia
This study contributes to global understandings of FQOL and describes practical approaches to support families of children with disabilities in an African context. The findings of this study highlight the influence of spirituality, relationships, self-sufficiency, poverty and stigma and the need for holistic support and disability awareness-raising to enhance FQOL
Designing schools for all
The Role of Community-Based Rehabilitation and Community-Based Inclusive Development in Facilitating Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities Globally
Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is a multi-sectoral strategy that addresses the human rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Justice is a core component within the social pillar of the CBR Matrix, however, there is limited understanding of how CBR and Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) programs are implementing this component globally. The CBR Global Network and partners facilitated five online dialogues in different re…
Understanding the State of Research Evidence Involving Parents of Children with Cerebral Palsy in the Arab Contexts
Raising a child with cerebral palsy (CP) can be both rewarding and challenging. Family caregivers, typically parents, play an important role in supporting and caring for children with CP. Research on CP family caregiving is growing, but Arab parental caregiving appears absent from this body of work. The objective was to map the scope of the existing literature about parents of children with CP in Arab contexts to identify gaps in knowledge and gu…
Natural Support for Canadians with Disabilities
Background: Natural supports provide crucial emotional, informational, and instrumental support for people with disabilities and can facilitate social inclusion and belonging. Minimal research explores natural support in Canadian contexts for people with disabilities. Purpose: This scoping review identifies how natural supports for adults with disabilities in Canada are described in published research literature. Method: Using Arksey and O’Malley…
Supporting Women after Obstetric Fistula Surgery to Enhance Their Social Participation and Inclusion
Obstetric fistula is a childbirth complication causing abnormal openings between the urinary, bowel, and genital tracts, leading to involuntary leakage and potential long-term disability. Even after surgical repair, women continue to face psychological and social challenges that affect their social inclusion and participation. This study explored family and service provider perspectives on current support systems and identified gaps affecting wom…
Addressing the Rehabilitation Needs of Women Experiencing Infertility in Ethiopia
The psychological, social, and financial disabilities caused by infertility are significant for women, particularly those living in low- and middle-income countries such as Ethiopia. Although rehabilitation can be an important form of support for such women, infertility is frequently overlooked as a disability or potential target of rehabilitation interventions. This study aimed to determine what rehabilitation-related services and supports are a…
The Limits and Contributions of Formal Support
Evidence suggests that integrated support, combining both natural and formal supports, is often essential for individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their preferred quality of life. However, studies are limited on how to organize supports so that people with developmental disabilities and their families find a balance between formal and natural supports. Often, there are systemic and personal boundaries around the nature and exten…
Collaboration for the inclusion of students with disabilities in education in Gondar, Ethiopia
This article presents research findings on collaboration among educational stakeholders to promote inclusive schools and support students with disabilities. Its holistic approach identifies ecological and institutional factors that affect collaborations for inclusion, as well as the support and services that could be further explored in future research. Additionally, it highlights the lessons that education programmes could use to enhance communi…
Understanding the Parental Caregiving of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Saudi Arabia
Parents provide most of the support needed for children with cerebral palsy (CP) to increase the child's participation and independence. Understanding the experiences of parents caring for children with CP is essential for developing effective family programs and services. The current knowledge about parents' experiences in CP is based on studies in Western countries, with little known about this phenomenon in Arab countries like Saudi Arabia. Th…
Against performativity
Psychology (19 works) · Medicine (14 works) · Sociology (14 works) · Disability Rights and Representation (12 works) · Family and Disability Support Research (11 works) · Political science (11 works) · Qualitative research (11 works) · Developmental psychology (8 works) · Psychiatry (7 works) · Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders (6 works)