Interpreting Belonging in People with Developmental Disabilities: A Case Study, Photovoice Exploration

Interpreting Belonging in People with Developmental Disabilities: A Case Study, Photovoice Exploration by Tullio Orlando MSW, York University, Toronto, 2007 BSW, Ryerson University, 1991 B.A.A. Journalism, Ryerson University, 1982 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Social Work Walden University August 2019 Abstract In this qualitative study, the social construct of community citizenship as perceived in the worldviews of adults with developmental disabilities living in a large eastern city was explored. While authors report government-sponsored institutionalization and custodial care is no longer as common, the voices of people with developmental disabilities are still to be heard on what they think about being participating members of their communities rather than segregated as they once were. This study provided a group of adults with developmental disabilities an opportunity to help others better understand their thoughts about belonging. A combined case study and photovoice research approach was used in the study. Five adult participants were supplied with cameras with which to take photographs of what they felt best represented their interpretation of belonging and community citizenship. Each was later interviewed to provide descriptions of their pictures. The data were then evaluated with the assistance of qualitative analysis software to determine themes. The findings indicated the participants placed high personal value on gainful employment and expressions of respect from others. In keeping with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs thesis as well as the self-actualization and self-determination theories, a sense of belonging is vital to emotional health and well-being. The results of this study contribute to social change by affirming what participants communicated – an inclusive community is one that promotes and provides equitable opportunities for employment, respect, decision-making, and participation.In this qualitative study, the social construct of community citizenship as perceived in the worldviews of adults with developmental disabilities living in a large eastern city was explored. While authors report government-sponsored institutionalization and custodial care is no longer as common, the voices of people with developmental disabilities are still to be heard on what they think about being participating members of their communities rather than segregated as they once were. This study provided a group of adults with developmental disabilities an opportunity to help others better understand their thoughts about belonging. A combined case study and photovoice research approach was used in the study. Five adult participants were supplied with cameras with which to take photographs of what they felt best represented their interpretation of belonging and community citizenship. Each was later interviewed to provide descriptions of their pictures. The data were then evaluated with the assistance of qualitative analysis software to determine themes. The findings indicated the participants placed high personal value on gainful employment and expressions of respect from others. In keeping with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs thesis as well as the self-actualization and self-determination theories, a sense of belonging is vital to emotional health and well-being. The results of this study contribute to social change by affirming what participants communicated – an inclusive community is one that promotes and provides equitable opportunities for employment, respect, decision-making, and participation. Interpreting Belonging in People with Developmental Disabilities: A Case Study, Photovoice Exploration by Tullio Orlando MSW, York University, Toronto, 2007 BSW, Ryerson University, 1991 B.A.A. Journalism, Ryerson University, 1982 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Social Work Walden University July 2019 Acknowledgments There are many people I need to thank for standing with me on this life-altering academic journey. What started as a mere bucket-list fantasy slowly morphed into a real event. I could not have done this without the encouragement and support of the following whose contributions were often substantial, sometimes minor, but always real. First, Dr. Barbara Benoliel, Chair of my Dissertation Committee. I thank you for your witty humor and patience you showed for the times I questioned why I was doing this. Your steadfast guidance got me over the finish line. It has been an honor working with and learning from you. Dr. Analeah Green, Member of my Dissertation Committee. Your astute attention to detail and suggestions made me a better researcher and academic. Thank you for being part of my team. I thank my immediate family; my partner in life, Antonet, and our daughter, Diana Marie, for enduring the past few years with patience and understanding frequently with the added cost of my missing family gatherings. For your unlimited support in helping me achieve what I desperately wanted, I am eternally indebted. To the best friend a man could ever have, Toby, my cotton-poo companion, who stayed up very late at night and into the early morning by my side or at my feet, his presence was silent encouragement to push on to this moment. I want to thank my older sibling, Frank, who sadly did not live to see my achievement. I can truly say, “I’ve reached the moon,” my brother (you alone will appreciate what I mean). To my other sibling, Sergio, and mom, Elvira, thank you for the pride you have shown me with every accomplishment, big or small. This is one of the biggest. In conclusion, I thank the men and women with developmental disabilities I have had the good fortune to work with and known throughout my social work career. The opportunities to learn from you were never in short supply. This Ph.D. dissertation was driven by your stories, pictures, and passion for life – an experience I will forever treasure.