1. Developmental Disabilities and Social Work
The Social Work Experience
5th Edition
Mary Ann Suppes &
Carolyn Cressy Wells
Chapter 11
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© 2009 Allyn & Bacon

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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