Podobe nemoči, pokroviteljstva in družbenega zatiranja ljudi z intelektualnimi ovirami v Sloveniji

slovenian

2016

volume 55, issue 5/6

handicap    social security    social justice    inequality    violence    Slovenia 

Univerza v Ljubljani, Fakulteta za socialno delo

The study addresses a neglected area of research of everyday life experiences and oppression of people with intellectual disabilities in the Slovene society. They are a marginalized social group whose voice goes often unheard. Despite the stereotypical societal notions about people with intellectual disabilities being defined as eternal children, the research reveals a lack of recognition of their cultural, social and political power, and gives an inventory of their fears, anxieties and uncertainties in everyday life. The aim of the study is to gain an insight into their daily life in the transition from their completion of education to their use of social services intended for adults. The paper presents some findings based on observation with participation and on the group interview with people with intellectual disabilities in five organizations that provide social services to them. It shows that patronizing of the persons with disabilities and unequal power relations between service users and staff in organizations that provide adult services to persons with intellectual disabilities, is preserved and reproduced through language, organized activities and institutionalized violence. The goal of the research is to open theoretical space for social work action and change, in order to support people with intellectual disabilities in their transition from education to employment and therefore to increase their range of possible life outcomes.

02.10.2017