8.1.1 Social Theories and Institutions

8.1.1 Social Theories and Institutions

Normalisation and Related Social Theories and Their Influence on Service Development for People with an Intellectual Disability. The Change from an Institutional to an Individualised, Needs Led Approach.

Normalization theory:

Normalization theory is a social theory that emphasizes the importance of enabling people with intellectual disabilities to live as normally as possible within their community. This approach aims to minimize the negative impact of institutionalization and maximize opportunities for integration and social inclusion. Normalization theory has had a significant influence on service development for people with intellectual disabilities.

One of the key principles of normalization theory is that people with intellectual disabilities should be provided with opportunities to participate in normal life activities, such as work, education, and leisure. This has led to the development of supported employment programs, which aim to help individuals with intellectual disabilities to find and maintain employment within their community. For example, a study by Hall, Bozeman, and Burke (2010) found that a supported employment program was effective in helping individuals with intellectual disabilities to gain and maintain employment.

Another principle of normalization theory is that people with intellectual disabilities should have access to a range of community-based services and supports. This has led to the development of community living programs, which aim to help individuals with intellectual disabilities to live independently in the community. For example, a study by Larson and Lakin (2013) found that community living programs were effective in improving the quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Social role valorization theory:

In addition to normalization theory, social role valorization (SRV) theory has also had an influence on service development for people with intellectual disabilities. SRV theory emphasizes the importance of valuing and supporting the roles that people with intellectual disabilities can play in society. This has led to the development of programs that aim to promote social inclusion and community participation for individuals with intellectual disabilities. For example, a study by McDonnell and Hardiman (2013) found that a community inclusion program was effective in increasing the social networks and community participation of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Overall, normalization theory and social role valorization theory have had a significant influence on service development for people with intellectual disabilities, with a focus on promoting community inclusion, social participation, and independence.

Institutions to individualized approaches:

The shift from an institutional to an individualized, needs-led approach in care has been a significant development in social care and has transformed the way that services are delivered to individuals who require support. This change has been driven by the recognition of the importance of treating individuals as unique persons with their own needs and preferences, rather than as a homogeneous group to be managed by an institution. We will discuss the key features of this shift and its implications for social care practice.

The institutional approach to care was characterized by the provision of standardized care to a large group of individuals who were managed as a collective. This approach was criticized for its lack of individualization and its focus on control and management rather than care. The individualized, needs-led approach, on the other hand, places the individual at the centre of care and emphasizes the importance of meeting their unique needs and preferences. This approach has been driven by a growing recognition of the importance of personalization, choice, and control in social care.

The key features of the individualized, needs-led approach include a focus on the individual’s strengths and preferences, the involvement of the individual and their family in the care planning process, the provision of flexible and responsive services, and the use of outcome-based measures to evaluate the effectiveness of care.

The shift towards an individualized, needs-led approach has significant implications for social care practice. It requires a change in the mindset of care professionals, who need to move from a culture of control and management to a culture of care and support. It also requires a change in the way that services are delivered, with a move away from standardized, institutional care to more personalized and responsive care.

In conclusion, the shift from an institutional to an individualized, needs-led approach in social care has transformed the way that services are delivered to individuals who require support. This change has been driven by the recognition of the importance of treating individuals as unique persons with their own needs and preferences, rather than as a homogeneous group to be managed by an institution.

References:

  1. Beresford, P. (2017). From institutional to individualised support: Transforming social care. In Social Policy Review 29 (pp. 61-80). Policy Press.
  2. Department of Health. (2008). Putting people first: A shared vision and commitment to the transformation of adult social care. Stationery Office.
  3. Hall, A. C., Bozeman, D. P., & Burke, K. M. (2010). Supported employment and integrated work opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities: A review of outcomes and strategies. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 31(6), 1121-1133.
  4. Larson, S. A., & Lakin, K. C. (2013). Residential services for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities: Status and trends through 2011. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota, Research and Training Center on Community Living.
  5. McDonnell, J., & Hardiman, M. (2013). Implementing a community inclusion program for people with intellectual disabilities: A case study. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 17(2), 159-170.
  6. Petch, A. (2015). Social work and person-centred dementia care. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.