Active Support is a proven model of care that enables and empowers people with intellectual disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of their lives. This evidence-based approach is particularly effective for working with people with more severe disabilities, and is of growing interest to those responsible for providing support and services.
The authors provide a comprehensive overview of Active Support and how it can be used in practice, based on the theory and research underpinning the methods involved. They describe how to engage people with intellectual disabilities in meaningful activity as active participants, and look at the communication style needed to foster positive relationships between carers and the people they are supporting. Highlighting the main issues for those trying to put Active Support into practice, they explain what is needed on a day-to-day basis to support the implementation, improvement and maintenance of the approach, along with possible solutions for the difficulties they may encounter. Finally, they look at how to integrate Active Support with other person-centred approaches, drawing on examples from various organisations and individual case studies.
The definitive text on Active Support, this book will be essential reading for anyone professionally concerned with the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities, including psychologists, behaviour specialists, social workers, care managers, occupational therapists and inspectors and regulators of services, as well as families.
Industry Reviews
''This landmark book is an authoritative text on the organisation of support and methods of direct practice with people with severe intellectual disability. Written by two outstanding academic leaders, it draws together the significant body of research that forms the evidence base for person centred active support. Its unique contribution and thus immense value is the clarity with which this knowledge is translated into a comprehensive guide to every day practice for staff, front line leaders and senior managers. This book is a key source of theory and evidence for students, researchers and policy makers, as well providing practitioners and organisations with a blueprint for action.''- Professor Christine Bigby, LaTrobe University, Australia''Mansell and Beadle-Brown have pulled together, in one place, a readable, practical yet research-based guide to improving supports for people with significant intellectual disabilities. I recommend this concise volume for any service provider or policymaker who supports this population. It is well worth the read.''- Steven M. Eidelman, H. Rodney Sharp Professor of Human Services Policy and Leadership, University of Delaware''This is a really helpful book for anyone wishing not only to understand the place of person centred active support in enabling people with complex support needs to exercise control over their own lives, but to implement it effectively. It is meticulously researched and distils experience gained from implementation really well.''- Bob Tindall, Managing Director, United Response and former Chair and current board member of the Association of Supported Living (ASL)''In my 35 years of working with people with a disability I have not come across anything as important as Person-Centred Active Support. It is now at the core of almost all the work that I do.''- Gary Radler, Clinical Psychologist, Positive Behaviour Support Services, Australia''Person Centred Active Support has been an essential core element of what we do for more than 10 years; it takes energy and tenacity to implement and maintain but the difference it makes in people's lives makes it very worthwhile.''- Ian McLean, CEO, Golden City Support Services (GCSS), Australia
