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The systems theory concept of disability: one is not born a disabled person, one is observed to be one
- Author:
- MICHAILAKIS Dimitris
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 18(2), March 2003, pp.209-229.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The article aims at the theoretical development of the concept of disability, with particular reference to its integration with social systems theory. The concept of disability is discussed by suggesting that the predominant models within disability research cannot communicate with each other because they represent different observation points, all of them describing disability from within a specific system. It is the thesis of this article that the distinction between individual and society, which constitute the basis of the well-known scheme of observed differences between impairment, disability and 'handicap', is a distinction based on naive realism and obscures the problems within disability research. In line with a long tradition within sociology, social system theory rejects the belief that our concepts are representations of reality: the categories and concepts we use are distinctions that are system specific. It is through those distinctions that the phenomenon is observed. This implies that observations are not absolute but relative to the observer's perspective.
Locating self-advocacy in models of disability: understanding disability in the support of self-advocates with learning difficulties
- Author:
- GOODLEY Dan
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 12(3), June 1997, pp.367-379.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Explores different understandings of disability and examines how these are or can be implicated in the self-advocacy movement. First, the effects of the dominant individual or personal tragedy model of disability on self-advocacy is examined with reference to the advisor's position. Secondly, self-advocacy framed in terms of the alternative social model of disability is presented. Finally, understanding self-advocacy in terms of the social model is taken further. It is suggested that self-advocates themselves directly challenge dominant understandings of disability in general and can contribute to the formulation of a social theory of disability.
Finding a voice: self-advocacy theory and practice
- Author:
- ANTOLAK Richard
- Publisher:
- Falkirk. Community Education Unit
- Publication year:
- 1997
- Pagination:
- 152p.
- Place of publication:
- Falkirk
Looks at how tutors and participants in a self-advocacy course navigate their way through a maze of experiences, emotions and challenges. Part one examines the different models of self-advocacy and highlights the terminology used by many workers. Also looks critically at motives for working in the area of special needs, and examines why, in a world where everyone is supposedly equal, the fight for disabled people to be treated as such continues to be an uphill struggle. Part two concentrates on practice and methods used to promote self-advocacy. Uses the arts to encourage confidence and self esteem and gives examples of actual activities, highlighting sessions that went wrong and examining the reasons why.
Quality of life for persons with disabilities: international perspectives and issues
- Editor:
- GOODE David
- Publisher:
- Brookline Books
- Publication year:
- 1994
- Pagination:
- 218p.,bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Cambridge, MA
Comparative study of the quality of life of people with learning difficulties. Includes papers on: quality of life in the Danish context; a six year study of a quality of life model; Australian legislation, service delivery and quality of life; overview of theory and practice in Germany; quality of life and unemployment among people with disabilities in Hungary; the National Quality of Life for Persons with Disabilities Project in the USA; the California quality of life project; towards an understanding of quality of life in people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities; quality of life and ageing; quality of life at school; training staff in quality of life issues; and the concept of quality of life and its current applications in the field of developmental disabilities.