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I think you’d have to look to Sweden and Nirje. I did some quick searching and found the attached article and sources below. You can read the original Principles of Normalization at the Wolfensberger Collection at the University of Nebraska.

Thomas



Ward, M. J. (2005). An Historical Perspective of Self-Determination in Special Education: Accomplishments and Challenges. Research And Practice For Persons With Severe Disabilities (RPSD), 30(3), 108-112. 
Abstract:
Self-determination for people with severe disabilities first appears in the 1972 writing of Benget Nirje, where he came to the realization that they could and should have a role in their own choices. Nirje's writings called for a wide range of actions that would enable them to better control their lives and destinies, including choice and control over personal activities, education, independence, participation in decisions, and information upon which to make decisions and solve problems. Nirje equated self-determination with the respect and dignity to which all people are entitled. He identified making choices, asserting oneself, self-management, self-knowledge, decision making, self-advocacy, self-efficacy, self-regulation, autonomy, and independence (although often not using those terms) as the salient features of personal self-determination. Robert Perske, a contemporary of Nirje and an advocate for the rights of people with severe disabilities, called for the opportunity for them to experience the "dignity of risk." Nirje and Perske's calls for action to support self-determination and the opportunity to experience the dignity of risk laid the foundation for the special education initiative and presented challenges in actualizing their call for adults with severe disabilities. In this article, the author presents a historical perspective of self-determination in special education--accomplishments and challenges. He also shares the lessons he has learned based on his role with the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) self-determination initiative.


Perske, R. (1972). The Dignity of Risk and the Mentally Retarded. Mental Retardation, 10(1), 24-27. 
Abstract:
In Denmark and Sweden, there is a growing interest in granting mentally retarded persons their fair and prudent share of risk-taking in their daily living. Denying the mentally retarded exposure to normal risks commensurate with their functioning tends to have a deleterious effect on both their sense of human dignity and their personal development. In addition, the removal of all risk diminishes the retarded in the eyes of others. The author seeks to show how appropriate and reasonable risk-taking can and should be worked into the daily living experiences of the mentally retarded in America.

 

Thomas J. Neuville, PhD ­ Professor / Disability Studies Advisor

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Educational Foundations

 

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From: The Disability-Research Discussion List <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of "Fiona Campbell (Staff)" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-To: "Fiona Campbell (Staff)" <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Friday, July 21, 2017 at 6:15 AM
To: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Origins 'Dignity of Risk'

My question relates to source. I can remember the notion of 'dignity of risk' being used in the early 1980's and assume that this idea is derived from Wolfensberger or Derksen. Is anyone is able to clarify this? I am also looking for a good academic summary of the concept. Has the concept been engaged with beyond disability?

Thanks

Fiona Kumari Campbell


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