More recognised than known: The social visibility and attachment of people with developmental disabilities

Abstract

This paper sets out to examine the community activities and social networks of people with developmental disabilities living in the community. Data were obtained from the first phase of a longitudinal evaluation of a policy initiative in the province of Wales, aimed at improving the lifestyles of people with developmental disabilities. The results show that people were engaged in a wide range of community activities but that opportunities for wider interactions with nondisabled people were restricted. In addition, the presence of non-disabled people in the friendship networks of people with developmental disabilities was also limited.