Chapter 10
1. Define and discuss the principle of
normalization. Why is self-determination described as an extension of the normalization
principle?
Normalization is defined as people with
mental retardation having access to the conditions of everyday life that are as close as possible to those of the nondisabled
people in the mainstream society. Self-determination involves people with mental retardation speaking up for them, making
their own lifestyle choices, and being able to act on them.
2. Describe 3 widely used community residential
models for adults with mental retardation.
- Group Homes
- Semi-Independent Homer and apartments
- Foster Care
3. Identify supports needed by parents
or siblings who chose to live with an adult family member with mental retardation.
While supporting living opportunities facilitate
adults with mental retardation living on their own, some people never move away from their primary family. Parents or siblings
may be the individuals primary support for a lifetime.
4. Why is knowledge regarding sexuality
especially important for persons with mental retardation?
The sexual behavior of people with mental
retardation is learned and directly affected by their ability to make appropriate decisions and risk their chance of abuse.
5. Summarize the research on the adjustment
of persons with mental retardation to community living.
Adults with mental retardation are capable
of self-sufficiency and social adaptation within the community.
6. Why is institutionalization considered
detrimental to the intellectual, psychological, and physical growth of the individual?
- All aspects of life go on in the same place and under the same single authority.
- Activities are carried on in the immediate company of others, all of whom are treated alike and required to do the
same things together.
- A system of explicit formal rulings and a body of officials govern tightly scheduled activities.
- Social mobility is grossly restricted
- Work is defined as treatment, punishment, or rehab
- A system of rewards and punishments takes place I the individuals total life situation.
7. Discuss some of the reasons for high
unemployment among persons with mental retardation.
- Traditional employment models have been oriented either to no training after leaving school or to short-term training
programs with the expectation that the individual will not need support while on the job.
- The emphasis has been on sheltered or protected work settings where the individual is placed for training but does
not earn significant wages.
8. Define and discuss the concept of supported
employment.
Work in an integrated setting for individuals
with severe disabilities. who probably will need some type of continuing support and for whom competitive employment traditionally
has not been possible. Supported employment is characterized by wages, continuous
support as needed, inclusion with nondisabled people, and flexibility in training, monitoring and supported strategies.
9. What are some of the criticisms of sheltered
employment?
- Segregated approach
- Low wages
- Fails to move people with mental retardation into less restrictive employment settings.
