Abstract

Social Role Valorization (SRV) is a theory first coined by Wolf Wolfensberger (1983), and proposes the creation and support of socially valued roles for all people in society, especially those who have been historically marginalized. SRV theory champions the idea that if a person has a valued social role, (s)he has a real opportunity to obtain the good things in life, such as autonomy, friendship, and voice. While thoughtful design of physical products can surely assist people facing challenges, the constructs of human relationships and human services (like education) also play critical roles in terms of providing authentic opportunities for happiness and success. This presentation highlights several key components of SRV theory and its relationship to designing inclusive educational settings.