Has social policy left research behind?

Abstract

As scientists we often delude ourselves that the major changes in services for people with intellectual disabilities are a direct result of our energies. A study of history will reveal that by far the most significant forces to influence service delivery have been those related to social movements, cultural phenomena, political and economic forces. Currently in many countries, including both those that are highly industrialized and those that are still in the process of industrialization; social movements, embracing the principles of integration, normalization, and least restrictive environments, are resulting in deinstitutionalization and community living and working programs. Despite the richness of the research literature in areas such as identification, prevention, assessment, education and training in community living and working programs, the commitment to contemporary social policies seems to have left a vacuum between the promise and the reality. This dilemma will be briefly explored in the context of Australian policies and practices for people with an intellectual disability.