Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to analyze and discuss the philosophy and method of support for self-determination of persons with intellectual disabilities. I. Philosophy : The philosophy of support is directed to create a new kind of relationship between supporters and persons with intellectual disabilities : it aims neither to control their self-determination nor to allow laissez faire, and it is based upon four specific views on human beings. They are 1) autonomy and communality, 2) diversity and universality, 3) capacity and limitation, 4) doing and being. Each of these views relates to one another. II. Method : The method of support is classified into five domains : 1) recognition, 2) judgment, 3) expression, 4) implementation, 5) responsibility. Each domain is based upon the above philosophy. By this method circulatory movement occurs from 1) to 5), as well as from 5) to 1), which enables persons with intellectual disabilities to develop capacities for self-determination and growth. Among the five, the most important are 1) recognition.
