Models of Disability, Quality of Life, and Individualized Supports: Implications for Professional Practice in Intellectual Disability

Abstract

In the past decade, new models have emerged with respect to the constructs of (intellectual) disability, quality of life, and supports. These models have implications both for understanding the underlying phenomena as for validating professional practices. The authors describe the context and key components of models of human functioning (American Association on Intellectual and Development Disabilities; International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health), supports, and quality of life, and demonstrate how these are related by synthesizing their similarities and differences. From this they discuss the implications for professional clinical and service good practice. It is argued that these models offer relevant frames of reference for guiding and integrating activities of medical, behavioral, and social disciplines in the field of intellectual disability services. It is also argued that knowledge of these models and their relationships facilitates communication among professionals and between professionals and policy makers.

In plain sight but still invisible: A structured case analysis of people with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning

“…First, reliance on the IQ score alone seems inadequate when assessing the needs of individuals with MID or borderline intellectual functioning (Buntinx & Schalock, 2010). Instead, individual and family characteristics should receive more attention during treatment and intervention planning (Luckasson et al, 2002).…”

Internalisation of Disability as a Social Phenomenon in the Reality of Inclusive Education

“…The disability phenomenon is no longer the object of medical activity alone, as it penetrates into areas of interests of history, literature, philosophy, social politics and education (Fitch, 2009;Taylor, 2011). Evaluation of the quality of life of a person was broadened to cover the total human functioning as it assesses health status, participation possibilities and the social context of the situation (Buntinx, Schalock, 2010). Social inclusion of people with a disability becomes the moral imperative of society.…”

Qualidade de Vida e Ambient Assisted Living: modelos de inclusão para adultos com deficiência

“…Na literatura científica internacional, Buntinx e Schalock (2010) propõem um quadro orgânico de avaliação que leva em consideração modelos de funcionamento humano, QV e criação de apoios. Nessa perspectiva, o aspecto relevante diz respeito à mudança de foco da avaliação de déficits e das deficiências, para apoios necessários às pessoas para que conduzam uma vida independente e para implementar a QV 15 .…”