The Humanistic Perspective as a Lighthouse in Disability Support

The Holistic Support Model
Erscheinungsjahr 2026
ISBN: 978-3-032-38969-5
Verlag: Springer

Buch, Englisch, 136 Seiten, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 235 mm

Reihe: SpringerBriefs in Social Work

This open access book introduces the concept of 'humanization,' contending that the adoption of a humanistic perspective will lead to a paradigm shift from focusing on overcoming disabilities to supporting the individual as a unique and authentic person.

Throughout the author's years as a practitioner, he recognized the limited conceptual and practical knowledge available to direct support providers (DSPs) working with people with disabilities, as well as the complex and challenging dilemmas they face daily. Despite current declarations affirming the rights of individuals with disabilities to lead full and meaningful lives, prevailing practices are often limited to risk management and the teaching of life skills. The underlying assumption is that by overcoming the disability, the individual will be included in society as 'normal'. This, however, is misleading since it pressures the individual to adjust to the surroundings, narrowing down the consideration of personal needs and inclinations.

The author developed the Holistic Support Model (HSM) that is designed to assist DSPs in addressing challenges while adhering to humanistic principles. It introduces the concept of 'humanization', offering a structured framework of theoretical principles aimed at bridging the gap between philosophical ideas and their practical implementation in supporting people with disabilities. 

The book sheds light on the critical need to shift from traditional support paradigms toward a humanistic perspective and values as they apply to a holistic support, ultimately empowering people with disabilities to lead more autonomous and meaningful lives. This is achieved by integrating theory and research with the authentic voices of those directly involved. It is important to note that the model has thus far been examined in the context of individuals with mild to moderate disabilities, primarily those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Concurrently, given its foundation in humanistic values, the aspiration is for its application to influence the perception of support providers regarding all individuals with disabilities. Since the model is based on universal humanistic values, the author's assumption is that its relevance transcends social ideologies and cultural contexts.

is a resource for professionals in social work, special education, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, and health care. For researchers, the integration of humanistic principles and the HSM provides a comprehensive framework for future research and theory development. The book also offers policymakers and advocates involved in disability rights and services a basis for reevaluating and redefining policies and practices to better align with the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities.

Zielgruppe

Professional/practitioner

Autoren/Hrsg.

Neuman, Ran

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Soziale Arbeit/Sozialpädagogik
• Sozialwissenschaften Psychologie Allgemeine Psychologie Entwicklungspsychologie
• Sozialwissenschaften Pädagogik Teildisziplinen der Pädagogik Sonderpädagogik, Heilpädagogik
• Sozialwissenschaften Psychologie Psychotherapie / Klinische Psychologie
• Sozialwissenschaften Psychologie Psychologie / Allgemeines & Theorie Psychologische Theorie, Psychoanalyse Humanistische Psychologie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. The Evolving Landscape of Disability Support: Advances and Challenges .- Chapter 3. Continued Dependency as a Barrier to Humanistic Practice.- Chapter 4. Romantic Relationships and Family Life Among Individuals with Disabilities: Navigating the Complex Path Toward Autonomy.- Chapter 5. Integrating Humanistic Philosophy and Practice: Conceptual Framework for the Holistic Support Modelc.- Chapter 6. To Support: Translating Values into Action.- Chapter 7. Humanization in Action: A Space for Professional Growth.- Chapter 8. Seeing the Humanity Within .

Über Autor(innen)

Ran Neuman, PhD is a Senior Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in the School of Social Work at Zefat Academic College in Israel. He also serves as Professional Director of Kfar Tikva, a community for people with disabilities, and as Head of the Academic Center for Integrating Knowledge and Practice in the Field of Disabilities, a joint initiative of Kfar Tikva and Zefat Academic College.

For nearly three decades, Dr. Neuman has worked in a range of roles in disability services, including direct practice, program development, staff training, organizational leadership, academic teaching, and research. 

His professional path has been shaped by close engagement with adults with disabilities and by a sustained commitment to strengthening the quality, depth, and responsiveness of support services. His work focuses on the development of holistic frameworks, practical tools, and professional approaches that support adults with disabilities in cultivating autonomy, identity, and personal meaning.

His distinctive academic contribution lies in positioning intellectual and developmental disabilities as a central area of inquiry within social work, while training future generations of professionals to integrate humanistic, research-based, and practice-informed approaches in this area.