Simmons, B and Read, S (2025) 'What does it mean to be a ‘person’ with profound and multiple learning disabilities? Presenting the views of family members and allies.' British Journal of Learning Disabilities. doi: 10.1111/bld.12652
Preview |
Text
16998.pdf - Published Version CC BY 4.0. Download (314kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Background:- Individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities are at the centre of debates about what it means to be a person. These debates sometimes start from the position that a person is somebody who possesses mature cognitive abilities, such as intentional communication skills and self-reflection (which individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities are sometimes said to lack). However, those closest to people with profound and multiple learning disabilities are rarely consulted. This paper presents research that addresses this gap. Methods:- Ten unstructured interviews were conducted with family members, friends and allies of the profound and multiple learning disabilities communities. Participants were asked to discuss what being a person meant to them, using their knowledge of supporting individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Findings:- Interviewees suggested that a person was fundamentally a relational being, but this relationality was described in a myriad of ways (e.g., as mutual dependence, social role, social gradient, interactionist and storied). Conclusions:- A richer understanding of the personhood of individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities can be developed by listening to more family members and allies, and this can provide a counter-narrative to the current dominant rational view of personhood.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | personhood, phenomenology, PMLD, profound and multiple learning disabilities |
| Divisions: | School of Education |
| Date Deposited: | 21 May 2025 19:28 |
| Last Modified: | 21 May 2025 19:28 |
| ISSN: | 1354-4187 |
| URI / Page ID: | https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/16998 |
 |
Request a change to this item or report an issue |
 |
Update item (repository staff only) |
Tools
Tools
