The Definition of “Context” and Its Application in the Field of Intellectual Disability

This article presents an operational definition of “context” and discusses its components and assumptions with respect to the field of intellectual disability. The authors synthesized the literature upon which the definition is based and described how the definition can be used in the field of intellectual disability both to describe the personal and environmental factors that affect human functioning and to provide a framework for supports planning and policy development. The authors note that by defining context as an integrative concept, there will be greater clarity in theoretical models and research. Further, even as this definition recognizes that there is an array of specific personal or environmental characteristics that define context, the specific characteristics that influence human functioning will vary from individual to individual based on their unique values, personal goals, and personal desires. The authors note that by defining context as a concept that integrates the totality of circumstances comprising the milieu of human life and human functioning, the proposed definition and its assumptions enable a better understanding of how factors that affect human functioning might be used to enhance the functioning of people with intellectual disability, as well as provide a conceptual and measurement framework for the assessment of context.

Source: Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities - June 17, 2014 Category: Disability Authors: Karrie A. Shogren, Ruth Luckasson, Robert L. Schalock Tags: Original Article Source Type: research