This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.

Poverty is a socio-economic dynamic as old as humanity itself, and even society’s youngest citizens are not spared its devastating impacts. In fact, children are among society’s most vulnerable people. Abuse, poor access to education, physical and social discontinuity, in addition to large amounts of social stigma are just a few of the common life experiences facing children living below the poverty line. Many service structures have been developed to address the difficult circumstances facing young people, yet society’s response to children living in poverty is often shaped by its history and the mindsets that have developed over time.

For people living with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, access to the world and basic human rights has never been a “given.” In fact, throughout history people living with disabilities have often had their rights withheld and even oppressed by professionals, legislators, and society at large.