Dare to Dream: The Changing Role of Social Work in Supporting Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Abstract Despite the recognition that adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) have the right to lead a fulfilling life, support staff continue to focus on normalisation and mainstreaming. The present research aimed to promote a change in the focus of the support provided to adults with IDD, stressing the importance of assisting them to pursue their desires and wishes. Towards that goal, a study with ten pairs of service providers and recipients was conducted, in which the ‘Dare to Dream’ (Bryen, 2012) process was introduced and its initial stages were implemented. Thus, each pair of provider and recipient focused on the recipients’ dreams and their realisation. Data were collected through interviews with the support staff regarding their experience with the ‘Dare to Dream’ approach. Findings indicated that participation led to a change in support staff’s perceptions of their aims and role as supporters in line with the humanistic orientation. The new objectives of supports should focus on encouraging adults with IDD to express their desires and dreams, as well as helping them internalise a new way of achieving autonomy. Further investigation of the use and cross-cultural applications of the ‘Dare to Dream’ process is recommended.