Social Role Valorisation and the Model of Human Occupation: A Comparative Analysis for Work with People with a Learning Disability in the Community

Abstract

This article presents overviews of Social Role Valorisation as proposed by Wolfensberger and the Model of Human Occupation as suggested by Kielhofner et al, and contrasts their underlying fundamental beliefs related to people with a learning disability. It discusses why an occupational therapist should encompass Social Role Valorisation as a sound philosophy for service provision together with the Model of Human Occupation. This provides a unique role for occupational therapy which complements other disciplines and facilitates people with a learning disability to achieve maximum functioning and independence over their own lives for as long as they wish to do so.