The variety of community experience

the long version

Church member. Employee. Family member. Friend. Apartment tenant. These are just some of the roles that extend beyond the stereotype of people with disabilities as dependent recipients of services and care. The Variety of Community Experience examines the lives of people with disabilities who are assuming these roles as full members of society, offering practical guidance on the proper kinds and amounts of support needed to provide opportunities for community integration. The case studies in this compelling volume paint vivid pictures of integrated living from the viewpoint of people with disabilities rather than of service providers. These revealing vignettes give human services professionals and advocates a unique perspective on how to help people with disabilities face life issues such as making ends meet, forming friendships, getting along with neighbors, and maintaining family contacts. Blending personal accounts with qualitative ethnographic research, this outstanding text is an essential and refreshing resource for all who work to promote community integration for people with disabilities.