Promoting Self-Determination in Health and Medical Care: A Critical Component of Addressing Health Disparities in People with Intellectual Disabilities

Author(s):  
Karrie A. Shogren ◽  
Michael L. Wehmeyer ◽  
R. Matthew Reese ◽  
David O'Hara
2011 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jari Kuosmanen ◽  
Mikaela Starke

• Summary: This article explores a relatively uncharted research area. The focus of the analysis is on how professionals working in care provision units, specialized prostitution units, the police, social services and special schools detect and deal with prostitution among people with intellectual disabilities. The data were obtained primarily through focus group interviews. The study shows that organizational specialization in different authorities and services makes it difficult to identify and work with this group. Clients with complex problems tend to find themselves in between the jurisdictional fields of different authorities, meaning that many do not receive the support that they need. • Findings: In recent decades social work has undergone increasing balkanization and specialization. Each particular organization is regulated by specific legislation, regulations, forms of knowledge and normative assumptions. Professionals working with people with intellectual disabilities have difficulties in detecting prostitution among their clients, whilst those who work with prostitution lack the knowledge and methods to work with intellectual disabilities. At the same time, social work with these individuals is conducted within a field of tension between the client′s right of self-determination and professionals’ responsibilities for their well-being. • Applications: The study demonstrates that, with this type of complex problem, it is important to establish different types of collaboration between different organizations. However, due to the risk of increased control being detrimental to clients, collaboration needs to be founded on the client’s needs and right to self-determination.


2021 ◽  
pp. 174462952110096
Author(s):  
Romina Rinaldi ◽  
Jordan Duplat ◽  
Marie-Claire Haelewyck

Background: People with intellectual disabilities experience inequities in healthcare. Those are maintained by individual limitations as well as environmental factors. In this context, health needs are less likely to be expressed, identified and met. Method: We led a survey in 832 adults with intellectual disabilities to identify if health was set as a priority and if so, what were their major health-related support needs (in terms of physical, social and psychological health). Results: 67.1% of participants reported at least one need. Most frequently, two or more types of needs were reported with gender and living facility having an effect on whether participants would report these needs, but these did not affect which type of needs were reported. Conclusions: Health-related support needs are highly prevalent and diversified in people with intellectual disabilities. This study emphasizes the importance to consider health as a global concept as well as the relationships between health and self-determination.


Pharmacy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Bernadette Flood ◽  
Martin C. Henman

There is a scarcity of information about the experience of people with intellectual disabilities in the medication use process. Six people with intellectual disabilities consented to be interviewed by a pharmacist to determine their knowledge and views of medication use. Data from semi-structured interviews were analysed using a grounded theory approach. Self-determination and risk to the quality of the medication use process were identified as theories. Literature review provided two explanations—vulnerabilities of people with intellectual disabilities in healthcare and pharmacists have a role to play in ensuring a quality medication use process for people with intellectual disabilities. People with intellectual disabilities may be ‘expert patients’ and can provide valuable insights into their experience of medication use. They may be ‘high risk’ patients but may not be recognized as such by pharmacists.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Tanya Hough ◽  

People with intellectual disabilities/developmental disabilities in the United States are living longer in recent decades. People 65 and older are in better health than previous decades due to more awareness of the beneficial effects of a healthy diet, preventative medical care and physical exercise.


2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (9) ◽  
pp. 700-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Vicente ◽  
M. A. Verdugo ◽  
V. M. Guillén ◽  
A. Martínez‐Molina ◽  
L. E. Gómez ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 12-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murray K. Simpson

Since its first formulation in English, the ‘principle of normalization’ has had a profound impact on policy and practice in the field of intellectual disability. Over the past fifty years, normalization, and Social Role Valorization, have drawn on liberal humanist philosophy, adopting varied and complex positions in relation to it. This article will consider an apparent structural correspondence between a discourse of ‘liberal equality’ with versions of normalization that emphasised conformity to social norms, and those drawing primarily on ‘liberal autonomy’, emphasising independence and self-determination of people with intellectual disabilities. Despite this seeming correspondence, the article eschews a structuralist account in favour of a discursive and rhizomatic model, in which the philosophical elements are seen as tactical forces deployed in the pursuit of wider strategic ends. The article concludes by highlighting paradoxes in contemporary thinking that can be traced to the legacy of normalization, specifically, the tensions between sameness, difference, equality and independence.


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