Jan Walmsley

Focusing on the commonly advocated concept of social inclusion in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, this book argues that the current approach has not succeeded in supporting people to lead good lives in the community. It instead advocates the importance of belonging as a basis for a good life, and examines the implications of belonging at both conceptual and practical levels for educators and social workers.

Focusing on the commonly advocated concept of social inclusion in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, this book argues that the current approach has not succeeded in supporting people to lead good lives in the community. It instead advocates the importance of belonging as a basis for a good life, and examines the implications of belonging at both conceptual and practical levels for educators and social workers.

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.

In this thought-provoking book, Jan Walmsley and Kelley Johnson discuss participative approaches to research and provide an up-to-date account of inclusive practice with individuals with learning disabilities. Drawing on evidence from two major studies, they explain how lessons learnt from inclusive research in the learning disability field are applicable to others working with marginalized groups. The authors examine the origins and the process of inclusive research, describing:* how and why it takes place* who carries it out* who funds it* how it is designed* how it relates to policy and practice.They look at the challenges inherent in this work, such as balancing the voice of the researcher with that of disabled participants and clarifying roles within research projects, and explore how it can become more inclusive and empowering. Providing valuable information and advice to researchers, policy makers and students as well as other health and social care professionals, this book presents a comprehensive examination of participative research in social care.