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Agency, Voice & Human Development

Work on this theme concentrates on investigating and supporting the capacity of individuals and groups to shape life experiences and outcomes for themselves and for others. In doing so, ILAS moves to unpack the role of social, economic, legal and place-based structures in the acquisition and execution of power and rights. This is both with respect to decision-making, and the expression and recognition of voice. Connected to fundamental notions of self-direction and identity, this theme deals with key research questions and policy issues around how individuals and groups deal with significant life-events, and adverse social and economic conditions, to maximise the potential for inclusion.

Important work streams in the theme of agency, voice and human development includes:

Individual and Collective Agency: Exploring factors that shape the ability to exercise choice, and ways to foster agency through applied programmes
Resilience as an individual and Community Resource: Work that looks at harnessing experiences, resources and existing skills to build resilience, for recovery and development, amongst 8 individuals and communities of people
Self and Supported Advocacy: Programmes that considers how advocacy and voice can be strengthened in relation to key policy challenges that threaten the realisation of rights and choice
Adaptive Capacities and Capability Approaches: Work that investigates how conscious and sub-conscious strategies assist individuals to cope with and adjust to changing circumstances in their lives and their wider social, economic and cultural environment

ILAS

The Institute aims to advance people’s lives in Ireland and internationally who face issues with older life, living with disability, children, youth and parents who are vulnerable in social and other contexts. The research at the Institute is underpinned by academic staff and researchers who are keen the work we do makes a difference.

Co-Funded by the Irish Government and the EU