This accessible book engages social workers in critical reflection on the provision of services to disabled people, providing an authoritative and practical guide to this area of work. Using the social model of disability as its underlying philosophy, it challenges traditional notions of disability and supports social workers in constructing open and non-hierarchical relationships for shared decision making, mutual empowerment and effective working partnerships with disabled people.
The problematic relationship between social workers and disabled people Ð and the numerous dilemmas social workers face when assisting disabled people in their quest for full citizenship Ð are considered at every stage of service planning and delivery. Taking a user-led approach, the book emphasizes the importance of full partnership between social workers, disabled people and their organizations. The authors examine social work policy and practice from the point of view of both social workers and disabled people, including those from diverse and marginalized social groups. Clear links are made to policy guidelines and organizational standards, particularly to the contemporary agenda of self directed support, without losing sight of the deeper, often more complex, issues that arise when working with disabled people.
Social Work with Disabled People will be essential reading for social work students and practitioners as well as others who are interested in the development of practice with disabled people as service users and citizens.
