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Social Work with People with Learning Difficulties
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Social Work with People with Learning Difficulties

Third Edition


April 2013 | 224 pages | Learning Matters
This book is part of the highly successful Transforming Social Work Practice series and is written specifically to support students on the social work degree. Full of practical activities, case studies and opportunities for students to critically reflect and explore theory and practice.

Current practice in the field was driven by the government White Paper 'Valuing People' (2001) which declared some radical aims for services with people with learning difficulties. Now somewhat compromised by the local authority austerity measures, the goals set by 'Valuing People' are nevertheless still important. This third edition seeks to confirm and strenghten social work values and priciples so that the progress and successes achieved by 'Valuing People' can continue. Case studies and activities draw out the key points and reinforce learning. Summaries of contemporary research are included, as are suggestions for further reading and coverage of current government guidance and policy documents.

By examining the varied roles that a social worker might undertake in this field, the authors portray a positive picture of working with people with learning difficulties: the achievements and satisfaction, and the learning and understanding that can be gained. They also highlight the need for recognition of vulnerability, the risk of isolation, oppression and abuse, and the continuing political struggle to establish and protect the rights of the individual.

Paul Williams has over 40 years' experience of working with people with learning difficulties. He was a founder member of the organisation 'Values into Action' which campaigned for rights, inclusion and community-based services for people with learning difficulties. He is co-author of books on self-advocacy and anti-oppressive practice. A former lecturer in social work at the University of Reading, he is now retired.

Michelle Evans has 14 years of practice in all areas of sensory need, including Deaf/deafness, visual impairment and Deafblindness. She has a first class honours degree in social work and has worked as a care manager in adult services and a social worker in children's services. She has a particular interest in methods of social research which contribute to raising sensory awareness in social work/ care management. She lectures social work students at London South Bank University and develops and delivers sensory awareness training to practitioners and managers.

 
Acknowledgements
 
Introduction
 
Who are 'people with learning difficulties'?
 
The importance of values: A historical account
 
Policy and Legislation
 
The role of the social worker
 
Working with Children and Families
 
Working with Adults
 
Assessment, Planning and Evaluation
 
Communication and Sensory Needs
 
Advocacy and Empowerment
 
Conclusion
 
Internet resources
 
Appendix 1 Professional Capabilities
 
Appendix 2 Subject Benchmark for Social Work
 
References
 
Index

This text allows students to understand the fundamentals of working with individuals with learning difficulties.

Miss Ella Malton
Department of Health & Social Studies, Grimsby Institute of HE And FE
April 4, 2017

A fully revised and updated 3rd edition - ideal core introductory text of any undergraduate social work disability module.

Written in an accessible, incremental style which makes it easier for students to engage and explore the key themes emerging for policy and legislative frameworks as well as the role of SW and the importance of advocacy and empowerment.

I particularly liked chapter 6 re: safeguarding elements and chapter 8: practical guidance and tips on person - centred communication plus the useful glossary of web based resources.

Mr David Gaylard
other, Chichester University
June 25, 2015

For those entering the field of Social Work, this text gives a good insight into the challenges faced, opportunities available and empowering Individuals with learning difficulties.

Miss Ella Malton
Department of Health & Social Studies, Grimsby Institute of HE & FE
June 21, 2015

One of few books still recognising the legacy of Wolf Wolfensberger.

Dr Murray Simpson
Education , Social Work and Community Education, Dundee University
April 2, 2015

This book has been recommended on the MA social work degree programme at the University of Wolverhampton to enable students to gain an understanding of social work with adults with learninng disabilities.

Miss Fiona Morgan
School of health and wellbeing, Wolverhampton University
December 15, 2014

This text addresses key issues in an often neglected area of practice. Text is accessible and relevant to the module.

Mr David Hambling
Faculty of Sport, Health & Social Care, Gloucestershire University
October 13, 2014

An excellent resource for learners who are working towards the specialist optional units.

Mrs Sharon Lock
Comm, Adult Educ. Centre
July 14, 2014

Adopted as one of a series of detailed practice specific texts as part of the year three module adult elective. Thank you, clear and comprehensive .

Mrs Kay Wall
Social Work Department, Kent State University
June 10, 2014

People with learning disabilities are still greatly misunderstood by many people. This book gives sensitive guidance on giving service users with learning disabilities the best opportunities to realise their potential. A brilliant book.

Mrs Ruth Mawdsley
Social Work Department, Peterborough Regional College
April 26, 2014

To help with specific reading for students on the course working with servcie users with learning disabilities

Mrs Pamela Grieve
Health and Caring Services, Leeds City College
December 12, 2013

Paul Williams

Paul Williams has 40 years' experience of working with people with learning difficulties and was a founder member of the organisation "Values into Action" which campaigns on behalf of people with learning difficulties. He co-authored a book on self-advocacy and has been involved in the development of citizen advocacy in the UK. From 1991 to 2007 he was a Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Reading, where he taught working with people with learning difficulties and anti-oppressive practice. He is now retired. More About Author

Michelle Evans

Michelle Evans has 14 years of practice in all areas of sensory need, including Deaf/deafness, visual impairment and Deafblindness. She has a first class honours degree in social work and has worked as a care manager in adult services and a social worker in children's services. She has a particular interest in methods of social research which contribute to raising sensory awareness in social work/care management. She lectures social work students at London South Bank University and develops and delivers sensory awareness training to practitioners and managers. More About Author

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ISBN: 9781446267578
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