1. CONCEPTUAL CORNERSTONES
KNR 270

2. Conceptual Cornerstones
Ideas that guide recreation services for people with disabilities
Standards / benchmarks
Insure service quality

3. Conceptual Cornerstones
Normalization
Self-Determination
Interdependence
Quality of Life
Next
Mainstreaming
Integration
Inclusion
These are words/concepts/theories that will be used throughout text and class
They help guide recreation services for PWD

4. Normalization 2 definitions of normalization Nirje (International)
Wolfensberger (US)

5. What is Normalization?
The normalization principle means that you act right when making available to persons with intellectual and other impairments or disabilities patterns of life and conditions of everyday living which are as close as possible to or indeed the same as the regular circumstances and ways of life of their communities. (Nirje, 1992)
The principle of normalization was first defined by Nirje in the late 60s and early 70s in Sweden, US & Canada
International paradigm
Normalization is a value that s/b adopted by all
If we do not, we are not acting right. (Ethical position)

6. Normalization --- Nirje
Ethical position
If we do not provide opportunities like we do to people without disabilities we are not acting right
Respect for PWD and their right to be different
Accept person & change environment or provide supports

7. Wolfensberger’s Reformulation
Utilization of means which are as culturally normative as possible, in order to establish and/or maintain personal behaviors and characteristics which are as culturally normative as possible
1972
Wolfensberger’s definition/concept has been more widely used in North America
Interprets normalization as specifying various standards of behavior to which PWD must conform (designed with MR in mind)
Services must be designed to facilitate normative behaviors in normative services
Change individual to fit into the norms of society
What’s wrong with picture based on this definition of normalization?
Society as whole and people in recreation programs do have some expectations of appropriate behaviors. We may need to teach people how to “fit in.”
How impact programs/services to PWD?

8. Normalization --- Wolfensberger
Specifies standards of behavior to which PWD must conform
Services designed to facilitate “normal” behaviors
Change individual to fit into society

9. Normalization
Society and people in recreation programs do have expectations of appropriate behaviors
We may need to teach PWD how to “fit in”
We may also need to teach society how to accept PWD and provide accommodations or support

10. What is Self-Determination?
How would you define self-determination?
Do you have self-determination?
Do you think PWD have self-determination?

11. Self-Determination Provide opportunities for choice
Choice on where to participate, with who to participate, when to participate, or even whether to participate
Can choose inclusive programs or programs just for PWD
Can identify one’s own needs, interests, and abilities
Set expectations and goals to meet one’s needs and interests
Make choices and plans to meet goals and expectations
Take action to complete plans
Evaluate results of actions
Adjust plans and actions, if necessary, to meet goals more effectively
How impact programs/services for PWD?

12. Self-Determination
Provide opportunities for active participation in programs
Independent
Adaptations / supports
Partial participation

13. Self-Determination Provide opportunities to experience challenges
Successes lead to increased competence
Taking risks lead to increased confidence
Failure is part of life

14. What is Interdependence?
How would you define interdependence?
Are you dependent?
Are you independent?
Are you interdependent?
At times professionals sustain dependence in PWD. How?

15. Quality of Life How would you define quality of life?
What adds to your quality of life?
What adds to the quality of life for PWD?
How can we use the concept of quality of life as a standard for our programs?
1998 National Organizational Disability/Harris Survey
1/3 PWD satisfied with life
6/10 PwithoutD satisfied
Gap has widen in last 4 years
Fewer PWD believe their QofL will improve in next 4 years.
Principles of QofL
Composed of same factors & relationships that are important for all folks
QofL is experienced when basic needs are met & when have same opportunities to pursue and achieve goals
Is enhanced by acceptance and full inclusion
3. How impact programs/services for PWD?