Independent Futures. Creating User-led Disability Services in a Disabling Society

Geof Mercer,Colin Barnes

doi:10.1080/15017410600973523

Abstract

The number of disability related support services controlled and run by disabled people themselves has increased significantly in the UK and internationally over the past forty years. As a result, greater user involvement in service provision and delivery is a key priority for many western governments. This book provides the first comprehensive review and analysis of these developments in the UK. Drawing on evidence from a range of sources, including material from the first national study of user-controlled services, this book provides a critical evaluation of the development and organization of user-controlled services in the UK and identifies the principal forces — economic, political and cultural — that influence and inhibit their further development. It summarises and discusses the policy implications for the future development of services and includes an up-to-date and comprehensive literature and research review.

Highlights

The social model of disability has been a great inspiration for people with disabilities and has had a positive impact on both disability policy and research into disability
An important result of the politicization of people with disabilities has been an increase in self-help groups and organizations controlled by people with disabilities
Opposition to the established services controlled by professionals and based on a culture of care is a main target for activism

Summary

Introduction

The social model of disability has been a great inspiration for people with disabilities and has had a positive impact on both disability policy and research into disability. Centres for Independent Living (CILs) are established, with a dual role as both service providers and political advocates for the rights of people with disabilities. This book is based on the research project Creating Independent Futures, organized from the Centre of Disability Studies at the University of Leeds.

Results

Conclusion