Dr. Karl Elling Ellingsen (Norway)

Dr. Karl Elling Ellingsen will speak on Tuesday 5 May at 10.00.
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Self-determination for persons with intellectual disabilities
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All human services must build on recognition of Human Rights expressing the inherent dignity, the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family. It is further a need for a closer look at professional practices promoting paternalism rather than self-determination. No one doubts the need of services and support. However, we contradict services and professional practises that do not respect individuals’ inherent dignity, equal and inalienable rights - practices hindering other people’s right to self-determination. The fact that a person holds a right does not imply that it is easy or straight forward to practise that right. For persons who have cognitive difficulties, who do not speak up for themselves etc., professionals have to substitute and support in ways that strengthen the person’s “voice” both in real and in the actual situation where the “voice” is not easily heard.

New concepts of individualised plans, a growing interest and awareness of self-determination, studies and research revealing some of the problems and solutions, are sources for a discourse and for developing professional practises. Examples will be given from a Norwegian project on “Self-determination for persons with intellectual disabilities”.   

Dr. Karl Elling Ellingsen has a PhD in health science and human services. He is a social educator himself, and works as Associate Professor at The University College of South Trøndelag in Norway. He is Manager of National Institute on Intellectual Disabilities and Community. He has been in charge of a national project on self-determination for persons with intellectual disabilities from 1999 till 2007. He has studied professional practices, how they change and how professionals reflect upon their practice.