Developmental Disabilities and Social Work The Social Work Experience 5th Edition Mary Ann Suppes & Carolyn Cressy Wells Chapter 11 This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; Preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; Any rental, lease, or lending of the program. © 2009 Allyn & Bacon

Historical Approaches with People with Disabilities Late 1700s: J.R. Pereira teaches people with speech and hearing disabilities to read 1848: S.G. Howe creates training schools for children with disabilities in the Northeast 1860s: The training schools transform into large impersonal institutions for disabled people 1880s: Social Darwinism advocates for Eugenics and the sterilization of disabled people 1920s: Efforts to deinstitutionalize disabled people were begun © 2009 Allyn & Bacon

Deinstitutionalization and Normalization WWII vets influence improved attitudes toward disabled people Normalization: People with disabilities are entitled to everyday experiences that are as close to the mainstream as possible. They deserve caring and humanity. 1969: Developmental Disabilities Act supports an infrastructure to assist disabled people in their community 1972: Wyatt v. Stickney affirms the right to habilitation services and use of least restrictive environments for disabled people © 2009 Allyn & Bacon

Definition: Developmental Disability “…a severe chronic disability attributable to mental or physical impairment that is manifested before she or he is 22 years of age and is likely to continue indefinitely.” (Putnam, 2007) The problem is focused on the interaction between the person and their environment. © 2009 Allyn & Bacon

Social Workers Assist Persons with Disabilities Advocate for resources that create the least restrictive environment and facilitate normal daily activities Assess the strengths, resources, and limitations of both the environment and the consumer Provide direct services to consumers to empower them to meet their daily needs Develop programs that expand options and choices Administer programs that continuously promote policies to improve situations for disabled people © 2009 Allyn & Bacon

Social Work Profession Promotes Standards CSWE: Social Work programs providing a learning context that promotes understanding and non-discrimination regarding persons with a disability NASW: Six standards include outreach, risk assessment, community integration, advocacy, discharge planning, policy development, program planning, administration, research, and program evaluation. © 2009 Allyn & Bacon

Disability Types Federal Funds will cover disabilities that are chronic and severe in function Some disabilities impact brain functioning (learning and social interactions) Some disabilities impact physical functioning (mobility and motor skills) Some disabilities involve both brain and physical functioning Some disabilities are preventable and are a result of poverty and/or parenting © 2009 Allyn & Bacon

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Characterized by low birth weight, flat cheeks, small eyes, short, upturned nose, small brain, mental retardation, poor coordination, short attention span, and behavioral problems. Effects 1,000-6,000 babies annually Alcohol is not easily broken down in the developing fetus and thus causes damage to development © 2009 Allyn & Bacon

Disability Policy & Social Justice People with disabilities have been discriminated against, but they are part of “legitimate human diversity.” 1973: Rehabilitation Act prohibits recipients of federal funds from discriminating against people with disabilities. Current legislation demands changes in language that affirms the rights of those with disabilities. 1990: ADA mandates an end to discrimination and provides standards of treatment for people with disabilities. © 2009 Allyn & Bacon

International Social Justice: UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities The convention supports a comprehensive identification of persons with disabilities and advocates for fundamental freedoms and human rights for all. Since December 2006, only one country has ratified the convention. © 2009 Allyn & Bacon

Value Dilemmas for Social Workers Genetic Counseling: It is possible to inform a mother early in her pregnancy if her child will have a genetic abnormality. Self-determination: Whose self-determination may be at stake as a result of current technology? Policy Advocacy: In 1996, 135,800 families lost SSI benefits because eligibility requirements for their children had been changed, not because their child’s circumstances had improved. © 2009 Allyn & Bacon