Author(s): Jacintha Flynn
Department: University College Cork and Cope Foundation
Keywords: Independent Living, Equality of Rights, Research Methodologies, Social Work and Research
(31 Jul 2009)
This study presents, in their own words, the lives of twelve adults
living in the community with an intellectual disability. It aims to
assess how social policy expressed through the disability services,
social services, education and employment services support their right
to the same opportunities as the non-disabled population. This
qualitative piece of research was completed using semi-structured
questionnaires and a focus group. Participatory values and principles
underpin the study. The developments occurring within social policy in
Ireland are outlined regarding the mainstreaming of training and
employment supports, the development of a National Intellectual
Database, the proposed Disability Act and the Education for Persons
with Disabilities Bill 2003; raising the question as to their relevance
to the study group. The models of disability, which have nationally and
internationally influenced attitudes and services, are critiqued.
Research methods used within the disability community are critiqued.
The role of social workers and the use of research within the equal
rights paradigm are explored.
The findings outline how the study’s participants experience
discrimination in access to housing, education, employment and health
services. They are reliant on state welfare provisions and are employed
in low skilled, poorly paid, less secure jobs. They have had no input
into the planning of services or the compiling of data base
information. They identify themselves as being ‘different’ within the
community with an acceptance of engaging with welfare and disability
agencies because of this labelling. They have an awareness of their
needs and ability to express them but not the opportunity to fulfil
them.