An evaluation of a community living initiative in Ireland. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sheerin, Fintan; Griffiths, Colin; de Vries, Jan; Keenan, Paul
• Is Part Of: Journal of intellectual disabilities. Volume 19:Number 3(2015:Sep.)
• Page Start: 266
• Page End: 281
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: community living -- outcomes -- person centredness; Mental retardation -- Periodicals; People with mental disabilities -- Periodicals; Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Handicap intellectuel; Trouble d'apprentissage; Handicapé mental; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 362.1968588
• DOI: 10.1177/1744629515573679
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-6295

Abstract

One of the central principles underpinning Irish intellectual disability policy is that of decongregation. Allied to this is the belief that life in community settings offers greater opportunities and richer experiences than does life in institutional settings. This study explores the experiences of a group of adults with intellectual disabilities who moved from residential settings to living units in the community. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, it considers the significance of that move for them and seeks to understand the extent to which their lives have changed. Whereas it emerges that this was a positive period in their lives, it is clear that a number of issues remain to be addressed and these provide useful information for similar developments in the future.