Decision-making, Participation, Self-Determination and Empowerment of People with Intellectual Disabilities in Community Care
Löffel, Senta (2018)
Laurea-ammattikorkeakoulu
2018
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2018112918969
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2018112918969
Tiivistelmä
This thesis was conducted in collaboration with an organization for people with intellectual disabilities in Finland. This research aims are to promote of awareness on the key issues: decision-making, self-determination and participation in the work with people with special needs. On the one hand, it focuses on informing the workers about these issues and getting feedback on the current situation. The service users are also being asked about their opinion on the current situation and if they are involved enough. Another focus is to determine possible challenges and difficulties which can hinder empowerment within the organisation. Furthermore, this thesis will discuss possible solutions to these occurring problems and find ways to improve the services.
The background of the study includes a section on the current legislation, an introduction of disability services in Finland as well as historical context. The theory behind this study is based on four main topics. The main topics are decision-making, self-determination and participation which are all part of the big concept of empowerment. Besides, the theory chapter will include possible obstacles of these concepts and explore the meaning of critical practice.
This research uses two methods for the collection data, focus groups and semi-structured interviews. The two focus groups took place with a selected group of workers from the working life partner who discussed decision-making and self-determination in the first focus group and participation in the second. The second method used is personal interviews with service users to get their viewpoint on issues such as work, leisure, spending money, trips, contact with people outside the organisation, being part of decisions and possible areas for improvement.
The main results are that even though the organisation is seen as a good place to work in which the service user‘s voices are heard, there are still areas for improvement. Key areas for improvement include meetings, communication, planning and motivation. The service users show an overall satisfaction and see no need for improvement.
The background of the study includes a section on the current legislation, an introduction of disability services in Finland as well as historical context. The theory behind this study is based on four main topics. The main topics are decision-making, self-determination and participation which are all part of the big concept of empowerment. Besides, the theory chapter will include possible obstacles of these concepts and explore the meaning of critical practice.
This research uses two methods for the collection data, focus groups and semi-structured interviews. The two focus groups took place with a selected group of workers from the working life partner who discussed decision-making and self-determination in the first focus group and participation in the second. The second method used is personal interviews with service users to get their viewpoint on issues such as work, leisure, spending money, trips, contact with people outside the organisation, being part of decisions and possible areas for improvement.
The main results are that even though the organisation is seen as a good place to work in which the service user‘s voices are heard, there are still areas for improvement. Key areas for improvement include meetings, communication, planning and motivation. The service users show an overall satisfaction and see no need for improvement.