Chosen Topics of Supporting Persons with a Disability. vol. 2

Abstract

Part one of this book consists of five chapters presenting examples of good and bad phenomena which occur during the education period at schools or universities and which support the development of appropriate principles and best practices for inclusion and for equal chances. However, because of the cultural variety as well as diversified political and geographical situation, significant differences occur between countries and the solutions that they implement. Four chapters which are included into part two of the book are related to selected areas of supporting through the lifespan, i.e. improving and measuring the quality of life, time and space or placement (institutional, noninstitutional) when support might be delivered or needed. Also considered are the development and empowerment of personal characters and abilities that would make the disabled more competent in social and cognitive activities. In part three, which covers five chapters, the Authors analyse some common and popular means that might be used through the whole personal life. They can also be treated as therapeutic and supportive sources for social and personal development and as preferred activities that bring pleasure, satisfaction and might value personal self-efficacy and independence. This monograph is the second volume of the book series titled Chosen topic of supporting persons with a disability. The aim of the series is to share ideas, research data and projects on supporting persons with a disability in the hope that they would provide important knowledge and inspiration for creative and good theoretical concepts as well as for the best practical solutions. We still recognize the field of supporting persons with a disability and their families as an area which is not yet fully developed – it requires introducing a variety of explorations and research as well as practical actions (Kosakowski, Krause & Żyta, 2007, p. 10).