Open Collections

Lifestyle perspectives of persons with disabilities in a person-centered support paradigm

University of British Columbia

This study is a qualitative investigation of a person-centered support option called micro boards. A micro board is a small non profit society comprised of family and friends who assist persons with disabilities to develop individualized housing and support options. Defining features of the micro board project include direct funding to individuals with disabilities to secure housing and support options, freedom to choose where and with whom to live, and autonomy in hiring and defining the nature of personal care and support. Three persons with severe disabilities were the primary focus of this study. These individuals required extensive supports in all aspects of daily living including feeding, dressing, and mobility. They resided in three separate subsidized or cooperative living arrangements in a large urban centre in the Province of British Columbia. Two organizations central to the micro board project were also a focus of study. The study period was eighteen months. Qualitative techniques were employed to collect and analyze data regarding lifestyle quality in the micro board project, and organizational assumptions and characteristics inherent in this support paradigm. Results indicated that all three participants with disabilities experienced positive lifestyle gains as a result of the micro board project. Direct funding and the freedom to choose accommodation and individualized support structures were identified as axial to lifestyle quality. Participants also experienced increased community participation and expanding networks of social support as a result of the micro board project. An analysis of the characteristics and themes embedded in the multiple case studies identified five responsive organizational characteristics which contributed to the development of the micro board project, and assisted in the achievement of a quality life in the community for the three participants in this study: willingness to change; inclusion of persons with disabilities and their families in organizational policy; small, flexible support structures; collaborative planning; and a holistic view of support grounded in social justice. These results are discussed in relation to previous research done in this area. Inferences are made about how factors such as lifestyle planning, empowerment, personal perceptions of disability, and responsive support systems influenced lifestyle quality. Parallels are drawn to related health care fields, and a restructuring of disability support is explored. Limitations of the research are identified, and potential areas for further research are suggested.

Thesis/Dissertation

application/pdf

2009-03-17

For non-commercial purposes only, such as research, private study and education. Additional conditions apply, see Terms of Use https://open.library.ubc.ca/terms_of_use.

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/6200

Special Education

University of British Columbia

UBCV

DSpace