VALUING THE EDGES: EXPLORING THE PROCESS OF BELONGING WITH PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES AND THEIR SUPPORT WORKERS

Background: This is part of a doctoral study examining the experience of participation in a horticultural social enterprise. This section considered the complex relationship between participants with learning disabilities and... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
This is part of a doctoral study examining the experience of participation in a horticultural social enterprise. This section considered the complex relationship between participants with learning disabilities and their support workers; how this relationship both facilitated, and was at times barrier to, inclusion (Johnson et al. 2010).

Method:
A qualitative methodology using participatory action research (PAR) (Koch & Kralik, 2009) and critical ethnography (Madison, 2005) was chosen. A PAR group of people with learning disabilities and their support workers generated data about their experiences and occupations on site, alongside researcher field notes.

Results:
A sense of invisibility shared by participants with learning disabilities and their support workers, initially affected trust and belonging within the group and garden. The process of PAR built relationships and fostered acknowledgement of all participant’s interests and roles.

Conclusion:
The value of developing partnerships that promote access, agency and meaning within occupation was identified as key to full engagement and belonging for all participants.

Application to Practice:
Support workers are vital in facilitating people with disabilities in occupation: as occupational therapists we need to understand the complexity of their roles to work with support workers effectively.
Acknowledging these relationships as complex and valuable will enable better use of personal budgets.

References
Johnson K., Walmsley J., Wolfe, M. (2010) People with Intellectual Disabilities: Towards a good life? Policy Press, Bristol
Koch, T and Kralik D. (2009) Participatory action research in healthcare. Blackwell, Oxford.
Madison, D.S. (2005) Critical Ethnography: Method, Ethics and Performance, Sage, London