Michael Browne

Ph.D. Topic: An Investigation of a Rights-Based Approach to Social Supports for Children and Young People with an Intellectual Disability in Ireland

The study seeks to develop a rights-based policy instrument for the enhancement of an integrated system of rights-based social supports for children and young people with an intellectual disability in Ireland. 

The research is based on the principle that all children and young people with an intellectual disability should be able to enjoy citizenship on an equal basis with others. This includes exercising choice, control and freedom and enjoying personal dignity in all aspects of social, community and cultural life in accordance with their own lifestyle preferences and aspirations. The study will investigate the experience of children and young people with an intellectual disability and their families in relation to key aspects of daily living and assess the impact of their social support networks on their lives. Social support networks will be interpreted broadly as meaning a range of family and community supports and services across the whole spectrum of daily living - in families, neighbourhoods, communities,  schools and workplace/training, as well as those  provided by statutory and voluntary/community organisations.

The research will explore how social supports might be enhanced to maximise choice, independence, equality of access and person-centred planning for children/young people with an intellectual disability. The study will also seek to identify the core components of rights-based social supports for this group of citizens and the implications for Irish social policy.