Reflections on being a first generation self-advocate: belonging, social connections, and doing things that matter
Data(s) |
01/01/2015
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Resumo |
Background Despite good policy intentions, people with intellectual disability continue to be socially excluded. Social geographers suggest the potential of self-authored spaces as catalysts for social inclusion. One such space, self-advocacy, is commonly perceived as part of a political movement for social change rather than a vehicle for social inclusion of its members. This paper investigated what involvement in self-advocacy has meant to long-term members of a self-advocacy group in Victoria, Australia. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 self-advocates about their reflections on involvement in the group. These data together with the commentary of 5 self-advocates during interviews with 18 self-advocacy supporters about their recollections of involvement in the group were transcribed and analysed thematically. Findings Through their involvement in self-advocacy, members of the group had gained a sense of belonging, social connections, and purposeful occupation, which included paid project work, lobbying, and organisational leadership and management. Conclusions This study suggests that self-advocacy groups can be places that foster social inclusion, potentially offering “membership” of an exclusive group, a wider social movement and of mainstream society. |
Identificador | |
Idioma(s) |
eng |
Publicador |
Taylor & Francis |
Relação |
http://dro.deakin.edu.au/eserv/DU:30072763/bigby-reflectionson-2015.pdf http://www.dx.doi.org/10.3109/13668250.2015.1028910 |
Direitos |
2015, Taylor & Francis |
Palavras-Chave | #intellectual disability #self-advocacy #social inclusion |
Tipo |
Journal Article |