Inclusive Practices for People with Disabilities: A Social Work and Anti-Oppressive
Framework
Keywords: Disability Studies, Participatory Practices, Anti-Oppressive Social Work
The study research question is about how participatory practices in social services can enhance the inclusion and self-determination of people with disabilities, promoting social justice and anti-oppressive approaches.
The research is grounded in Disability Studies (Thomas, 1999; 2017; Goodley, 2010; 2018; Mertens, Sullivan e Stace, 2011; Genova, 2023; Chataika, Goodley, 2024) and integrates the critical disability perspective (Deegan,1985; Stohl, 1996; Hall, 2011; Scavarda, 2022; Valtellina, 2024), examining intersections of oppression, ableism (Wolbring, 2008; Goodley, 2013), and social justice (Young, 1990; 1996; Fraser, 2005; 2007; Nussbaum, 2011). It also draws on the Anti-Oppressive Practice (AOP) framework (Dominelli, 1996; 2002; Burke e Harrison, 2002; Sanfelici, 2024), emphasizing equality and empowerment, and considers organizational theories related to social services, focusing on the role of street-level bureaucrats (Lipsky 1980; 2010) in promoting inclusive care models. International norms, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) and the European Strategy for Disability Rights
2021-2030, provide the regulatory context.
The research employs a practice research methodology, emphasizing the active involvement of professionals and people with disabilities to co-construct knowledge based on lived experiences and practical expertise. This participatory approach aligns with the Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework (Barnes, 2003; Wadsworth, 2011; Bradbury, 2015) and involves qualitative methods such as case studies, observations, and collaborative workshops.
The case study focuses on Tuscany, selected for its innovative policies and practices, which will be examined in accordance with the new Legislative Decree 62/2024. Preliminary observations suggest that participatory tools within multidisciplinary teams enhance empowerment and promote shared decision-making processes. Key factors include the integration of social, environmental, and relational dimensions into personalized care plans. However, challenges persist in achieving consistent coordination among professionals and in overcoming systemic barriers to inclusion.
This research contributes to the understanding of participatory practices in social work through a multidisciplinary and anti-oppressive lens. It underscores the transformative potential of empowering persons with disabilities in decision-making processes, in line with the principle «Nothing about us without us.»
By analyzing Tuscany’s innovative model and the impact of national legislation on the
organizational reference framework, the findings aim to identify scalable strategies for inclusive and socially just service provision.