Module+5+posting+AnneInQatar

I have to begin this Posting # 5 by acknowledging a couple of things. First, when I initally considered taking this course, I realize now that I was thinking along the lines of working with students who were learning "differently" and would need supports, coaching and accommodations in order to proceed to the post-secondary level successfully. I was not really considering the more severely disabled person. And secondly, I did not really think about the fact that I have a little niece who has Down's Syndrome. Emily is 12 years old and is a precious part of our family. But I hadn't really considered how her life could have been so very different if she had been born at a different time in history.

My reactions to the videos and personal accounts were heartwrenching and inspirational. The spirit that is within and that with support can be released is truly amazing..When you consider the past and the long road to ..."making available to all mentally retarded people patterns of life and conditions of everyday living as close as possible to the regular circumstances of society."(Nirje 1979) it is indeed indeed sobering.And this really isn't ancient history.

The role or value of 'dignity' in the literature particularly stood out to me.This struggle for respect and independence is critical to the development of the person's sense of value and ability to control and reflect about the quality of life. These concepts are certainly integral to the Self Determination Theory. I really enjoyed reading the work of Ryan andDeci. SDT focusses on "the socio-contextual conditions that facilitate versus forestall the natural processes of self-motivation,self-regulation and well-being.This knowledge can help the design of social environments that optimize people's development,performance and well-being.'(p.68 Ryan and Deci)

And of course it follows that research has found that individuals with disabilities who had higher levels of self-determination achieved more positive adult outcomes than those with lower levels of self-determination. Sounds like a good rationale for including the development of an environment that is conduicive to the encouragment of self determination within the individual, as well as implementing .programs that might support the development of these skills for all- particularly the disabled.

I will continue to organize my thoughts. I just hope that I can get into the Wiki again(if this is the correct terminology!)