Steven J. Taylor

Relationships with Severely Disabled People: The Social Construction of Humanness

This paper presents the perspective of nondisabled people who do not stigmatize, stereotype, and reject those with obvious disabilities. We look at how nondisabled people who are in caring and accepting relationships with severely disabled others define them. Although the disabled people in these relationships sometimes drool, soil themselves, and do not talk or walk—traits that most would consider highly undesirable—they are accepted by the nondisabled people as valued and loved human beings. We look at four dimensions of the nondisabled peoples perspective that helps maintain the humanness of the other in their minds: (1) attributing thinking to the other, (2) seeing individuality in the other, (3) viewing the other as reciprocating, and (4) defining social place for the other. The paper illustrates a less deterministic approach to the study of deviance, suggests that people with what are conventionally thought of as extremely negatively valued characteristics can have moral careers that lead to inclusion rather than exclusion, and argues that the study of acceptance needs to be added to the more common focus on rejection.

Caught in the Continuum: A Critical Analysis of the Principle of the Least Restrictive Environment:

This article presents a critical analysis of the principle of the least restrictive environment (LRE). The article begins with a review of the origins of LRE in professional writings and law and moves next to a discussion of how LRE has been operationalized in terms of a continuum of residential, educational, and vocational services. Building on previous critiques of the continuum concept, the author presents seven conceptual and philosophical flaws or pitfalls in the LRE principle itself, especially when it is applied to people with severe disabilities. The author then argues that an uncritical acceptance of LRE may lead to the establishment of a “new” community-based continuum and takes the position that many leading writings in the field can be interpreted to legitimate this new continuum. The conclusion of the article supports an unconditional commitment to integration and briefly contrasts integration with LRE as a guiding principle for the design of services and support for people with developmental disabilities and concludes with a note on the importance of viewing concepts in historical context.

On Accepting Relationships between People with Mental Retardation and Non-disabled People: Towards an Understanding of Acceptance

ABSTRACT This article outlines the “sociology of acceptance” as a theoretical framework for understanding relationships between people with mental retardation and typical people. As a point of departure, the authors review sociocultural perspectives on deviance and explore their contribution to the study of mental retardation. Based on qualitative research on community programs for people with severe disabilities, the authors next examine the nature of accepting relationships and describe four sentiments expressed by typical people who form relationships with people with mental retardation: family; religious commitment; humanitarian sentiments; and feelings of friendship. The article concludes with a brief discussion of the implications of a sociology of acceptance for the field of mental retardation.

The Continuum and Current Controversies in the USA.

This article reviews policy developments in deinstitutionalisation and community inclusion in North America, and, specifically, the USA. The article starts with a critique of the continuum concept and the associated principle of the least restrictive environment, which have been used as a conceptual framework for the design of services for people with intellectual disability. The author next examines past and current controversies surrounding deinstitutionalisation. The conclusion of the article briefly comments on the institution versus community debate and assesses the future of the continuum concept.

Observing abuse: Professional ethics and personal morality in field research

Based on the authors participant observation research in a state institution for the mentally retarded, this article deals with moral and ethical dilemmas that occur in research at settings characterized by routine human abuse. After a discussion of the choices posed by these dilemmas, the author presents preferred solutions. The importance of anticipating potential moral and ethical dilemmas prior to entering the field and delineating the relation between professional ethics and personal morality are discussed as implications of this problem.

Scientifically Based Research and Qualitative Inquiry.

Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. (Anonymous, often attributed to Albert Einstein; Calaprice, 2000)

From Segregation to Integration: Strategies for Integrating Severely Handicapped Students in Normal School and Community Settings.

Drawing on information collected through site visits and phone interviews, the author describes strategies used by states, school districts, and schools to integrate students with severe disabilities in normal school and community settings. The article presents strategies addressing a broad range of administrative, planning, programmatic, logistical, and attitudinal issues. The author concludes that commitment is the key to the success of integration efforts.

Permanency Planning for Children and Youth: Out-of-Home Placement Decisions

This article advocates the extension of “permanency planning” in out-of-home placements to include those children and youth with developmental disabilities. It discusses permanency planning and notes its promise in improving the opportunities of all children and youth to grow up in a stable family environment. There is a need for major initiatives in this area: 78% of children and youth with developmental disabilities who are placed in long-term care have no such protections. Though some states currently operate programs according to the principles of permanency planning, significant changes in existing federal policy are recommended to require permanency planning in federally supported out-of-home care for all children, including those with severe disabilities.

Medicaid Dollars and Community Homes: The Community ICF/MR Controversy

The use of Title XIX funds for community residences has generated considerable controversy. Several states have developed small ICF/MRs. Michigan—with its Macomb-Oakland Regional Center—is a national leader in developing model residences with ICF/MR funds. However, few states have limited ICF/MR funds to small living arrangements with six or less residents. Statistics show that some states are using ICF/MR funds to develop mini-institutions. This article discusses the feasibility of developing small living alternatives with ICF/MR funds. It concludes that the success or failure of community ICF/MRs in meeting the needs of disabled persons will depend on the degree to which states are committed to serving people in the least restrictive and most normalized settings possible.

Book Review: Institutions for the Mentally Retarded: A Changing Role in Changing TimesINSTITUTIONS FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED: A CHANGING ROLE IN CHANGING TIMES. CrisseyMarie Skodak and RosenMarvin (Eds.) Austin, TX: Pro-Ed, 1986. xiv + 178 pages,

Feel lonely? What about reading books? Book is one of the greatest friends to accompany while in your lonely time. When you have no friends and activities somewhere and sometimes, reading book can be a great choice. This is not only for spending the time, it will increase the knowledge. Of course the b=benefits to take will relate to what kind of book that you are reading. And now, we will concern you to try reading institutions for the mentally retarded a changing role in changing times as one of the reading material to finish quickly.