Reflection and celebration — Neal (1960-1987): narrative of a young man with profound and multiple disabilities

Abstract

Achieving quality of life for people with profound learning disabilities and multiple impairments is often judged, by some, to be incompatible with the nature of the impairments with which the individual, their family and society must cope. However, those making such difficult judgments may often do so from their own able-bodied, unimpaired perspective, a perspective that may result in disabling consequences. This paper demonstrates how, by use of reflective practice, a group of nurses and carers learnt, from a young man with quite profound learning disabilities and multiple impairments, how to assist him, direct and control significant aspects of his own life. Above all, however, this paper is a celebration of his short but rich life.