Wolf Wolfensberger
01 Mar 2011 1 Comment
We are sorry to let you know that Wolf Wolfensberger passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2011.
Dr. Wolfensberger was the originator of Social Role Valorization and the Normalization Principle, concepts that strongly influenced disability policy and practice in the US and Canada. He was widely recognized as a major contributor to the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 20th century had a reputation for being a stirring and controversial speaker.
Dr. Wolfensberger was born in Mannheim, Germany and emigrated at age 16 to the US. His undergraduate degree was earned at Siena College in Memphis, Tennessee; he earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology at St. Louis University and a doctorate in psychology from Peabody College for Teachers (now part of Vanderbilt University) where he specialized in mental retardation and special education.
His professional positions included postings at Muscatatuck State School (Indiana), E.R. Johnstone Training Center (New Jersey), Maudsley Hospital (London, England), Plymouth State Home and Training School (Michigan), Nebraska Psychiatric Institute of the University of Nebraska Medical School, National Institute on Mental Retardation in Toronto, Canada, and the Institute for Human Service Planning, Leadership and Change Agentry at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York.
He was the author and co-author of more than 40 books and monographs, and more than 250 chapters and articles. His writing has been translated into 11 languages. His best known books were Changing Patterns in Residential Services for the Mentally Retarded, The Principle of Normalization, PASS, and PASSING.
His passing is very sad. He will be greatly missed by so many. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.
Calling hours will be held Friday, March 4, 2011 from 4-7 pm at All Saints Catholic Church, 112 Lancaster Place, Syracuse, NY 13210
The funeral service will be Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 10 am at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 259 E. Onondaga Street, Syracuse, NY 13202
Mar 07, 2011 @ 20:12:10
This was a message sent out by CRU in Brisbane Australia. I thought it was a wonderful piece. Wolf meant alot to me and it was through his work and teachings that made me the person I am today. I can honestly say that my work with vulnerable people was touched by Wolf as I always tried to help each person to have the most meaningful and productive life as a interconnected member of their community. I learned the importance of challenging the system to do what is right on behalf of people. I learned to challenge myself. Wolf is a man who will be dearly missed but will live on forever. He touched people minds, challenged people to think critically and did much to imporve the lives of many. People all over the world loved him and respected him. The testimony by Mike attests to that.
A Message to Wolf
How often does one get to call their Idol or Guru by their first name? But this is how I feel my relationship was with you, Wolf, though we never personally corresponded.
I was deeply saddened when I learnt you had left this world to go to, I believe, your rightful place. I certainly am not alone, feeling heavy hearted – many other folk, and especially those of us carrying the label of having a disability. I remember you preferred to call us “the Handicapped” – call it for what it is, you reckoned; no pussy-footing around, using politically correct language to make people feel better.
Wolf, through your teachings and hypotheses, you assisted me to view vulnerabilities through a completely different set of lenses. You told me that having a disability didn’t necessary mean I was sick, mad or morally bad (and nor were my Ancestors). The problem was with Society and how it viewed people they perceived as not ‘one of them’. Wolf, this really gave me heart, and a sense to keep striving on with life generally. For this, I will always be eternally grateful.
From the time I first met you, I really admired your extremely sharp intellect and wit – in fact, I always felt ‘safe’ in the knowledge that you had developed and were developing theories about vulnerable people – and not ‘some half-wit’. You realised that it was about time that some solid analysis had to be done in the area, and thank God, Wolf you took up the mantle.
It would be amiss of me not to at least mention, Susan Thomas, your ‘intellectual side-kick’ and a dear confidante. What a dynamic duo you two made! You suddenly misplace the next OHP for No. 2 Projector…. and without batting an eye-lid, Susan would seamlessly place it in your hand. Thank you, Susan, for so ably assisting Wolf to do what he, and you, did so well – which was to EDUCATE!!
Although you were of course a big picture person, you had a very keen eye for detail. I remember you always remembered my name, and made me feel an equal in your presence, something which I’ll always appreciate. In Queensland, Australia, you conducted two long workshops, one for 11 days and one for 12 days. Both I personally found quite marathon efforts – yeah, tiring but not tiring, rather stimulating, reinvigorating and reenergising! It was great to spend these huge chunks of time with you and other colleagues, Wolf.
Wolf, I have to ask this: How does Heaven rate on the PASSING scoring? Quite well, I no doubt presume…
Well, Wolf, it is time for me to wish you a final farewell – for now at least. When you and I, with many others, meet again we will have much more time to reminisce over fond memories.
Many thanks again, Wolf, for impacting so positively, so profoundly and so enduringly on the lives of vulnerable people, especially people with disabilities.
PEACE TO US, WOLF!!
Mike Duggan
Committee Member and past President of Community Resource Unit