Originally published here.

This paper seeks to explore from an historical perspective the way in which political climates impingeupon the public and professional perception of what constitutes appropriate provision for people with an intellectual disability. A systematic review of literature relating to policy and provision for people with an intellectual disabilityin England was undertaken.

Evidence drawn from the disciplines of cultural anthropology and history demonstrates that people withan intellectual disability have been identified across cultures and historical epochs. In the three decades followingthe end of World War 2 (WW2), a significant development occurred in England: as a result of pioneering researchwork undertaken by a small group of psychologists, drawn mainly from countries beyond England, the learningpotential of children and young people with an intellectual disability was demonstrated. The findings from this research led to landmark changes in legislation. The present paper seeks to underscore the fact that the changes in provision for people with an intellectual disability in the thirty years following the end of WW2 resulted from thefindings of well-conceived and executed research.

There is an urgent need to discuss the future shape of all services for people with anintellectual disability but in a professional climate characterised by informed analysis and not ideological preference.

You can read the complete article here.

Or you can listen to it on Spotify.