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Multi‐element behaviour support as a model for the delivery of a human rights based approach for working with people with intellectual disabilities and behaviours that challenge
Author(s) -
Doody Christina
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
british journal of learning disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.633
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1468-3156
pISSN - 1354-4187
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-3156.2009.00585.x
Subject(s) - dignity , accountability , psychology , empowerment , intellectual disability , human rights , element (criminal law) , service (business) , plan (archaeology) , process (computing) , computer science , law , political science , economy , archaeology , psychiatry , economics , history , operating system
Accessible summary• People with intellectual disabilities sometimes have difficulty in saying what they need and what they want. • Finding out what a person is trying to say can be supported through the person using pictures, objects, electronic devices. • Within this model changes can be made to the place where the person lives and works so that the person can exercise more of his/her rights. • Using this model the person is treated with dignity and respect and supported to live the life he/she chooses to live. • This paper uses the story of Mary to show how this model works.Summary This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of the multi‐element behaviour support (MEBS) model in meeting the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities and behaviours that challenge. It does this through explicitly linking the multi‐element model to the guiding principles of a human rights based approach (HRBA) using a vignette to demonstrate the link. The guiding principles of a HRBA are express link to rights, participation, empowerment, nondiscrimination and accountability. The background assessment and functional assessment phase of the MEBS process enables the identification of rights infringements while the MEBS plan addresses those rights. The accountability tool in the MEBS model, which is the periodic service review, is then used as a measure of implementation of the MEBS plan and consequently the enabling of rights. Implications in relation to the rights of those supporting persons in receipt of MEBS and those living with the person receiving MEBS are also highlighted: ‘In each situation we confront, a rights based approach requires us to ask: What is the content of the right? Who are the rights claim‐holders? Who are the corresponding duty‐bearers? Are claim holders and duty bearers able to claim their rights and fulfil them? If not how can we help them to do so? This is the heart of a human rights based approach.’ (Robinson 2003:1)