Increases in wheelchair use and perceptions of disablement.

Stewart, John M. and Donaldson, G. and Sapey, Bob J. (2005) Increases in wheelchair use and perceptions of disablement. Disability and Society, 20 (5). pp. 489-505. ISSN 0968-7599

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Abstract

Between 1986 and 1995, there appeared to be a 100% increase in the number of wheelchair users in England and Wales. This article reports some of the findings of a study designed to explore the social implications of this increase. Specifically, it examines the various explanations for the increases and concludes that whilst demographic changes or research methodologies are not responsible, the more likely causes are changing prescription practice, medical advances and changing attitudes to disablement. The article then explores the latter explanation by examining perceptions of wheelchair use, contrasting clinical and user views gained from in-depth interviews. It also reports findings from part of a large-scale postal survey of wheelchair users, which examined their attitudes toward different models of disability. It concludes that the responses of a large majority of wheelchair users of all ages are better explained by the social model of disability than any other.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Disability and Society
Additional Information:
33% contribution RAE_import_type : Journal article RAE_uoa_type : Social Work and Social Policy & Administration
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/researchoutput/libraryofcongress/hn
Subjects:
?? HEALTH(SOCIAL SCIENCE)SOCIAL SCIENCES(ALL)HEALTH PROFESSIONS(ALL)HN SOCIAL HISTORY AND CONDITIONS. SOCIAL PROBLEMS. SOCIAL REFORM ??
ID Code:
3275
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
25 Mar 2008 10:06
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
20 Sep 2023 00:05