Factors Contributing to the Construction of Personhood of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Authors

  • Heather Aldersey Mental Health and Society Research Group Douglas Mental Health University Institute
  • Ann Turnbull Co-Director, Beach Center on Disability and Distinguished Professor in Special Education at the University of Kansas
  • Rud Turnbull Co-Director, Beach Center on Disability and Distinguished Professor in Special Education at the University of Kansas

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15353/cjds.v3i2.156

Keywords:

Personhood, Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa

Abstract

For support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to be relevant and effective, support providers and policy makers should consider the social and cultural construction of IDD when creating, providing, and funding support. In this article, we adopt the O’Conner et al. (2007) conceptual framework for understanding personhood (i.e., subjective experience, the interactional environment, and the socio-cultural context) to discuss key factors related to the construction of personhood of people with IDD in Kinshasa and the impact that this construction may have on creation of and/or access to support. We conclude by suggesting various future support interventions that may facilitate the achievement of full personhood for individuals with IDD in Kinshasa and arguably in similar contexts.

Author Biographies

Heather Aldersey, Mental Health and Society Research Group Douglas Mental Health University Institute

Heather Aldersey is a post-doctoral researcher in the mental health and society research group at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute at McGill University. After July 1, 2014, she will begin a position as an Assistant Professor and Queen's National Scholar at the School of Rehabilitation Therapy at Queen's University. 

Ann Turnbull, Co-Director, Beach Center on Disability and Distinguished Professor in Special Education at the University of Kansas

Ann and Rud Turnbull are Co-Directors of the Beach Center on Disability and Distinguished Professors in Special Education at the University of Kansas.

Rud Turnbull, Co-Director, Beach Center on Disability and Distinguished Professor in Special Education at the University of Kansas

Ann and Rud Turnbull are Co-Directors of the Beach Center on Disability and Distinguished Professors in Special Education at the University of Kansas.

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How to Cite

Aldersey, H., Turnbull, A., & Turnbull, R. (2014). Factors Contributing to the Construction of Personhood of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, 3(2), 31–61. https://doi.org/10.15353/cjds.v3i2.156

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2014)

Section

Articles

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