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Towards a sociological critique of the normalisation principle

An extensive critique, Chappell's central argument is normalisation is a professional- centred theory concerning itself largely with quality in services, therefore working through existing structures rather than challenging them.

Community is more than just a place

Reed questions the way we think of 'community' when discussing disability. Why does a seemingly positive term become twisted when placed within this framework? Reed provides ways of 'getting back' to the positive definition. Keyword: Community Development

Preschool inclusion: Family and child perspectives

This article examines two specific aspects of an inclusive pre-school program: the benefits to the children with disabilities and the benefits to those children without.

Valuing the person or valuing the role? Critique of Social Role Valorisation theory

Elks believes in the worth of normalisation theory. His central argument is that SRV is not an adequate replacement for the principle of normalisation for 4 main reasons: 1. inconsistencies in whether application of the theory is actually about valuing the person or valuing the person's social role. 2.

Existence without life': Disability and genetics

"Genetic engineering and genetic manipulation are now a reality. This paper examines the ways in which these developments have encroached on our lives and influenced our attitudes, and looks at their particular implications for disabled people.

The parent and professional alliance program

This is a really great article about a group of parents who got together because they felt really disempowered by professionals. The parents wanted to share their stories, especially with physicians to help them become better able to provide appropriate health care.

Values in end-of-life decison-making: some implications for people with a disability

" . . This article considers some of the values - such as materialism, mono-culturalism, individualism and economic rationalism - which underpin current trends in end of life decision making.

Changing from segregation to inclusion - a report on a visit to the Forest Grove School District, Oregon, USA

This report is written about a community which has successfully transformed its whole school system (an ongoing process and challenge). What the author say was an education system driven by a conscious belief in the value of all children.

That which binds us: Friendships as a safe harbour in a storm

The Strully's have written an excellent and simple piece about the necessity of friendships in their daughter's life. In fact, they unequivocally state that it is friendship that will ultimtately mean life or death for their daughter. It is the only real safeguard of a person's human rights.

Students as instructional agents

A chapter concerning itself with strategies for achieving truly inclusive classrooms and schools. The authors ask teachers and school administrators to view students as 'knowers' as well as 'learners'. If students are also teachers it creates a co-operative pro-learning atmosphere.