Welfare Reform on the Web (December 2001): Services for the Disabled - UK

NOT JUST USERS OF SERVICES BUT CONTRIBUTORS TO SOCIETY: THE OPPORTUNITIES OF THE DISABILITY RIGHTS AGENDA

L. Sayce

Mental Health Review, vol. 6, Sept. 2001, p. 25-28

Describes the work of the Disability Rights Commission in enforcing the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, and promoting equality of opportunity. Shows that in the mental health field the law can be instrumental in effecting social change.

FINDING FAITH

A. Dobson

Community Care, no. 1390, 2001, p. 24

Access to a religious community can provide social support for people with learning difficulties and disabled people. Article discusses the practical difficulties they face in participating.

QUALITY IN SERVICES FOR DISABLED CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES: WHAT CAN THEORY, POLICY AND RESEARCH ON CHILDREN'S AND PARENTS' VIEWS TELL US?

W. Mitchell and P. Sloper

Children and Society, vol. 15, 2001, p. 237-252

Paper explores the experiences and perceptions of "quality" in services that disabled children/young people and parents/carers hold. It demonstrates the many different levels within the concept of "quality", and highlights the importance of recognising that children and parents frequently value different aspects of "quality".

THAT KIND OF LIFE: SOCIAL EXCLUSION OF YOUNG DISABLED PEOPLE WITH HIGH LEVELS OF SUPPORT NEEDS

J. Morris

London: Scope, 2001

Research used a variety of methods to find out what young people with severe and multiple disabilities felt about the quality of their lives. Key issues highlighted were communications difficulties, isolation, lack of control, feelings of being unsafe, and denial of opportunities to become involved in their own communities. Concludes that these very vulnerable young people are being excluded from society and that their basic rights are being ignored.