People with intellectual disabilities
Towards a good life?
By Kelley Johnson, Jan Walmsley, with and Marie Wolfe
Published
Sep 24, 2010Page count
204 pagesISBN
978-1847420688Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Sep 24, 2010Page count
204 pagesISBN
978-1847420695Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy Press
People with intellectual disabilities
What does it mean to live a good life? Why has it proved so difficult for people with intellectual disabilities to live one? What happens when we make a good life the centre of our consideration of people with intellectual disabilities? These questions are explored through a re-examination of ideas from philosophy and social theory, and through personal life stories. This important and timely book provides an analysis and critique of current policies and underpinning ideologies in relation to people with intellectual disabilities and explores ways in which a good life may be made more attainable.
"British researchers Kelley Johnson and Jan Walmsley are well known in the field of disability studies for their innovative work around inclusive research... Together they've written this rather wonderful book which deserves our attention ...if you are going to read one book this year, and you care about people with disabilities, this might be a great choice." Aaron Johannes, Spectrum Society for Community Living
"This book challenges current ideas on what constitutes a 'good enough' life for people with intellectual disabilities and proposes new ideas on how to make a truly 'good life' possible." Dorothy Atkinson, Open University
"If you need to be challenged to reflect on what 'a good life' should mean for people with intellectual disabilities this book is an excellent place to begin that quest." Gordon Grant, Emeritus Professor, Centre for Health and Social Care Research, Sheffield Hallam University
Kelley Johnson is Professor of Disability Policy and Practice at the University of Bristol. Prior to this she was a Marie Curie Fellow at Trinity College Dublin where she facilitated a national programme on inclusive research with people with intellectual disabilities.
Jan Walmsley is Visiting Chair in the History of Learning Disability at the Open University and a founder member of the Social History of Learning Disability Research Group. She currently works as an independent researcher and consultant.
Marie Wolfe is a self-advocate living in Ireland. She has been advocating for rights for people with intellectual disabilities for some years and sees it as her vocation.
Introduction: exploring a good life; Part One: Reflecting on a good life: My own life: Marie Wolfe with Kelley Johnson;Thinking about a good life; A good life and people with intellectual disabilities;
Part Two: Re-examining key concepts in the light of current practice: A good life in policy; Changing problems changing solutions; Changing constructions of work;
Part Three: Rethinking a good life: Justice, rights and capabilities; Community, inclusion and belonging; Promoting a good life; Conclusion.