Peggy Hutchison

Restructuring Human Services in Canada: Commodification of disability

The human service system in Canada has undergone significant changes as a result of the dismantling of provisions that were once in place to ensure access to services by societys more vulnerable citizens. This paper draws on a cross-Canada examination of services to adults with developmental disabilities to report on the response of service providers in this time of turbulence. Qualitative analysis provides insight into the ways in which services have responded to shrinking budgets. Without leadership and lacking a social policy framework from senior levels of governments, the changing face of human services has been accompanied by the arrival of a new market-orientated service provider group that has deepened the commodification of disability. The examination concludes with the introduction of an approach to support which resists the trend toward commodification and re-establishes the social good, allowing the individual with a disability the right to participate more fully in community life alongside other members of society.

Community services landscape in Canada: survey of developmental disability agencies.

A survey of support services for adults with development disabilities living in community settings in Canada was conducted. Information gathered on services and changes occurring in the community services landscape is discussed. Along with a diminution of governments role in funding and guiding service provision, Canada has witnessed the emergence of private-for-profit services, a relatively recent phenomenon in human services. Differences between the private-for-profit and nonprofit sectors are discussed, including a greater propensity in the nonprofit agencies to engage in advocacy and community education. Overall, evidence indicates that some services are beginning to incorporate individualized approaches to funding and support. Implications for government and for services of emergent patterns of support are noted.

Role of Canadian user‐led disability organizations in the non‐profit sector

User‐led disability organizations have emerged as an important force in the non‐profit sector. While much is known about the traditional disability organizations that began to proliferate in the 1950s (e.g. National Institute for the Blind), relatively less is known about the user‐led organizations that emerged in the 1970s. Using a collective case study approach, phase 1 was a policy review and key informant interviews with members of user‐led and traditional organizations and government. Phase 2 surveyed affiliates of user‐led organizations. Phase 3 integrated the findings from phases 1 and 2. Major themes were that user‐led organizations: reflected a new paradigm and gave voice to people with disabilities; had a unique role in systemic advocacy and shaping policy; that leadership is critical but in need of rejuvenation; had links with other organizations which provide a collective voice, solidarity and hope; had diverse strategies for local resource mobilization; had financial support from government which was both constrained and mobilized.

Community-based research and leisure scholarship: a discernment process

Many communities are realizing the importance of becoming more responsive and welcoming in light of the many local and global challenges facing them. Approaches to epistemology that are more participatory in nature may play a role in this social change process. Community-based research (CBR) is known for its ability to be both participatory and action-oriented and represents a paradigm shift from conventional research approaches. Unfortunately, over the years, relatively few leisure researchers have utilized CBR. A discernment process can assist researchers in their deliberations about whether to use CBR. The discernment process includes the exploration of issues such as personal background, project direction including purpose and principles, concept clarification, leadership, choosing an inquiry, stakeholder engagement, power and professionalism. Leisure scholars who embrace CBR understand the importance of collaboration and shifting the paradigm of research practice.

Close friendships of integrated youth: parents as partners.

Abstract The advocacy of consumers and families is shifting the paradigm toward greater integration in schools, workplaces, recreation settings, and neighbourhoods. Many parents believe an inclusive education is a building block for a full life in the community in adulthood, including making friends. Parents play a key role in ensuring that inclusion and friendship is maximized. These concepts were explored in a qualitative study with six youth with developmental disabilities, their parents, and teachers through a brief questionnaire, individual interviews, and group interviews. An interpretative analysis revealed two themes: friendships far from perfect and parents as choreographers of friendship.