A systematic review of stroke self-management programs was conducted to: (i) identify how many and what self-management support strategies were included in stroke self-management interventions and (ii) describe whether self-management programs effectively improved outcomes, focusing specifically on function and participation outcomes. Twelve databases were searched for the years 1986-2012 to identify self-management programs for stroke survivors. Pre-post, quasi-experimental and randomized controlled trial study designs were included. Descriptive information about the intervention was scrutinized to identify what self-management support strategies were present in the intervention and comparisons were made between programs using a group versus a one-to-one format. All outcomes were included and categorized. The most prominent strategies identified in our review were goal setting and follow-up, and an individualized approach using structured information and professional support. There are indications that self-management programs can significantly increase participation and functional ability. However, the high level of clinical heterogeneity in program delivery, outcomes and level of stroke severity made it impossible to conduct a meta-analysis. Further examination of individual self-management support strategies, such as linking rehabilitation goal setting to post-acute self-management programs, the inclusion of family members and the contribution of peer-support is warranted. Self-management programs for stroke survivors. Linking post-acute self-management programs to rehabilitation goal setting could improve outcomes. Involving family members in self-management programs may benefit stroke survivors.

Despite obstacles, many rural-dwelling older adults report that positive aspects of rural residence, such as attachment to community, social participation, and familiarity, create a sense of belonging that far outweighs the negative. By being part of a community where they are known and they know people, rural elders continue to find meaning, the key to achieving successful aging in this last stage of life. This scoping review explored factors influencing social participation and, through it, successful aging among rural-dwelling older adults. We sought to answer the question: what factors enhance or detract from the ability of rural-dwelling older adults to engage in social participation in rural communities? The scoping review resulted in 19 articles that highlight the importance of supports to enable older people to spend time with others, including their pets, engage in volunteer and community activities, and help maintain their home and care for their pets. Overall, the lack of services, including local health care facilities, was less important than the attachment to place and social capital associated with aging in place.

Background: Although collaborative consultation has been widely adopted in school-based occupational therapy practice, there is limited conceptual understanding of how collaboration contributes to educationally relevant outcomes for students with disabilities. Even without a clear understanding of the evidence related to school-based occupational therapy services, there continue to be decisions about funding and delivery of services.Purpose: This paper synthesizes and critically appraises the research literature on collaborative consultation services in school-based occupational therapy in order to provide program administrators with direction for critically examining decision making for service deliveryin their districts.Key Issues: Advancing occupational therapy practice in education settings requires a sound theoretical understanding of collaborative consultation. Distributed cognition offers a more robust understanding of the relationship between educator-therapist collaboration and outcomes of school-based occupational therapy services.Implications: This review concludes with two fundamental conditions necessary for collaboration between educators and occupational therapists to flourish.

People with disabilities and their representative organisations are recognised by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction as key contributing stakeholders in disaster resilience-building at the community level. What might be the role and contribution of disabled people’s organisations (DPOs) in realising the right of people with disabilities to be protected in disaster situations? This article reports findings from a research project utilising a multiple case-study research design to examine the implementation of three disability-inclusive disaster preparedness projects led by DPOs in Indonesia. Findings show that the DPOs successfully led disaster preparedness initiatives within their local communities and were instrumental in contributing to collective community-based disaster risk reduction efforts, despite structural barriers that constrained their efforts. The findings suggest pathways to more effectively advance disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction through DPO-led initiatives; giving due consideration to ensuring adequate DPO resources and capacities; and engagement with mainstream stakeholders.

Background: Community-based service providers are optimally positioned to contribute to the inclusion of people with disability and chronic health conditions in community-level disaster risk reduction. However, little is known about how to enable emergency preparedness within existing community health care, disability, and rehabilitation service delivery. Purpose: This study synthesised findings from a scoping review of the literature on how community-based service providers can enable emergency preparedness for clients in the community. Emphasis was placed on the practice scope of service providers undertaking this emerging role, the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to enable preparedness in others, and the current tools and training available to support service providers. Method: Six electronic databases, hand and cited searches were undertaken to identify studies for inclusion. In total, 24 publications were included. Results: Providers have competencies in conducting functional assessments that make them well-suited to enabling emergency preparedness with clients. Findings revealed seven provider responsibilities associated with this role and eight tools and training resources to support providers. Conclusion: Whilst community-based service providers are willing and optimally placed to enact these roles, they require additional support to do so in a manner that espouses values of inclusion and enablement.