An evaluation of a community living initiative in Ireland.
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.
University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland sheerinf@tcd.ie.
Fintan
F
Sheerin
University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
Colin
C
Griffiths
University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
Jan
J
de Vries
University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
Paul
P
Keenan
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living / Q000523:psychology*; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D007494:Ireland; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology
community living; outcomes; person centredness