Principles of Ethical Practice Cases for Illustration and Dialog

In July 2007, a revised version of the Council for Learning Disabilities' principles of ethical practice was approved by CLD's Board of Trustees. Subsequently, the new standards were published in the January 8 issue of LD Forum. Using a case study approach, this article highlights the application of these principles to situations confronted by learning disability professionals. Six cases are presented. Although fictionalized for the sake of confidentiality, the cases are based on actual situations witnessed by the authors. Each of the cases illustrates a minimum of two ethical principles. Questions for reflection and analysis follow each case with the intention of stimulating discussion. The article concludes with a discussion of professionalism and the importance of a commitment to the ongoing emphasis on ethical practice in the field of learning disabilities.