In the context empowering people with a disability, explain the concept of normalization and the least restrictive environment

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

In working with a person who has a disability, it is crucial to assess not only the severity and extent of the disability but also the strengths and special talents of that person. One of the most important challenges any social worker has in working with any population (including people on probation, school-age children, homeless people, and so on) is to focus on identifying and assisting in the development of the special talents and attributes of each person. The following are some principles that foster an empowerment approach:
Normalization is the principle that every consumer, even those with the most severe disabilities should have a living and educational environment as close to "normal" as possible. Sadly, 60 (and more) years ago, people with developmental disabilities were often placed "out of sight and mind" in obscurely located institutions. In the 1970s and 1980s, communities started viewing people with mental and developmental disabilities as having the right to live as normally as possible.
A focus of empowering people with disabilities is to maximize self-determination and independence in the least restrictive environment that is feasible. The concept of least restrictive environment focuses on having consumers of services enjoy as much freedom as possible and on having consumers make as many decisions for themselves as they can. As much as possible, consumers are encouraged to make choices and decide what goals they wish to pursue and what supports and services they want.?