Essential Videos
In this video from 1993, Bengt Nirje (one of the founders of the Normalization movement) discusses its origins. You may find it beneficial to use the subtitles (closed captions) function when watching this video. Please note, as this is an old video, some of the terminology used is outdated.
When seeking to adopt a person-centered approach, we maximize the choice and control that a client has over activities. Watch the following video from the Living with Disability Research Centre at La Trobe University. It provides tips for maximizing choice and control within the context of adult intellectual disability services:
The following video (also from La Trobe University) gives examples of support workers attempting to provide support in a person-centered manner. In these scenarios, they are working with individuals who have very impactful communication difficulties. It is important to note that the support workers are not necessarily trying to teach in these scenarios so their approach may slightly differ from what an RBT might do during similar activities. However, it is a good example of how we should seek to maximize choice and control when working with individuals who might have highly impactful physical difficulties and limited communication skills.
In this film from Open Future Learning, Beth Mount explains how Person-Centered work differs from System-Centered work.
Optional Reading
The following article from the Hong Kong Journal of Psychiatry provides an overview of social role valorization.
In the following article Quannah Parker-McGowan discusses the relationship between ABA and the person centered approach.
Emma and Alex are students in a class about intellectual disabilities. After a lecture on Normalization Theory, they’ve been asked to debate the merits of normalization theory. Below is a transcript of a debate between these two (fictional) students:
Emma: You know, I’ve been thinking about normalization theory and Social Role Valorization (SRV) quite a bit since last week, and I have some concerns. It seems to me that they might be at odds with using a neuroaffirmative approach when supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities… [Full transcript as in original]
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Reflection Exercise
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