DEFINITIONS OF NEED - CAN DISABLED PEOPLE AND CARE PROFESSIONALS AGREE

This paper attempts to examine the ideological frames of reference tha t inform the definitions of need that are used by disabled and non-dis abled people. The main aim of the research upon which this paper is ba sed being to test the degree of congruence of the non-disableds view o f need with that of disabled people. Central to this is an exploration of the differences that exist in the perception of disability held by disabled people and nondisabled people. It investigates this through the use of a staged vignette based around a fictitious character (Mr A rthur Angus) and his family. The paper seeks to explore the multidimen sional contexts in which individuals operate based upon a deconstructi on of the medical/social focus of control model.