Confinement, community, citizenship

Abstract

This article applies the social model of disability (Oliver 1996) and the theory of social role valorisation (Wolfensberger 1998a) to the life experiences as told in the words of a man who experienced being institutionalised at 17 years of age. A focussed conversation (Stanfield 2000) was used to support the man to retell some of the challenges, achievements and satisfactions he wished to share. This story outlines how he utilised his experiences to transform his life and advocate for people with learning disabilities to be treated fairly. Today he is a member on a number of Boards, striving to ensure that people with learning disabilities receive the service and support they desire.