In this first volume, Dr. Pomeranz dissects common attitudes, language and habits that have shaped services and supports over the years. He illustrates how certain mindsets can demean, degrade, devalue and dehumanize a person. And, he points the way to superior service provision for persons who have historically been assigned Outsider status due to an intellectual disability, mental illness or other personal characteristic.

What are our roles and the roles we assign to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Are we acting as collaborators, assisting them to expand according to their needs and desires, or do we cherish the role of Gatekeeper? Do we allow our own desire for convenience, comfort or excessive avoidance of risk to prevent any person from living a reasonable life? Learn to identify the Gatekeepers who perpetuate outmoded beliefs about choice and participation.

Relationships, opportunities and choices–these are all essential building blocks of a life of meaning. Whose life? Everyone's life, including people with developmental disabilities. But, who will make the choices for a person who can barely communicate?

Integration. Participation. Relationships. These are the elements of a full and satisfying life. How can we support a person with an intellectual disability to form warm, lasting relationships, and to fully participate in his or her community?