The silent revolution : disabled people discuss regaining power and control in their lives : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work (MSW), Massey University

Abstract

Since the 1960s, a silent revolution has occurred, brought about by disabled people taking control of their lives. This thesis attempts to gain an understanding of this process, particularly in the area of disability residential services in Aotearoa New Zealand. A qualitative methodological design is used. This relies heavily on the social model of disability and Foucault's ideas, to carry out an explorative interpretative study. The stories of five disabled people, who moved from provider-supplied accommodation to their own homes, form the heart of this treatise. Participants explain how they achieved this transition. Three predominant themes were noted in participants' biographies – factors which enabled the move out, features that hindered such a move, and elements that support their new lifestyles.