Shifting Paradigms Towards Supporting Individuals with Disabilities: A Psycho-Cybernetic Approach to Social Work

Abstract

The concept of researching an individual's character in a cybernetic framework according to M. Mazur's theory (CTC) presents an interesting tool for diagnosing and supporting excluded individuals, combining elements of cybernetics, and social sciences in an innovative, interdisciplinary approach. The cybernetic characterization of an individual's character allows for the identification of its components and the determination of their interrelations, opening new perspectives for understanding the mechanisms shaping the individual's functioning and identifying areas requiring support. In the context of social work, the proposed application of Mazur's concept emphasizes the need for a paradigmatic shift from the medical model to an emancipatory one in working with people with disabilities. This paper delves into the theoretical and practical applications of the CTC in the context of special education, highlighting its potential in individualizing educational processes and promoting inclusivity. Such an approach has the potential not only to enrich the scientific literature in the field of special education but also to contribute to the promotion of a more inclusive society, where equal opportunities for personal development and self-fulfillment become the norm. This study, though pioneering, marks the beginning of the journey, calling for further, detailed explorations and empirical verifications of the proposed concepts.