Social integration of people with disabilities – focus on intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Background and objectives: Over the past decade, increasing attention has been paid to the transformation of social services, which may bring about radical changes in the care system. In our research, we focus on Act III of 1993 and the focus on deinstitutionalization. We present the most important legislation related to the preparation and implementation of supported housing, as well as domestic and international experiences with the transition process. Our goal is to explore the process of transition from institutional care to community-based services, as well as attitudes towards day care and housing for adults with disabilities (especially those with intellectual disabilities). We will use the San Martín Scale to assess the quality of life of persons with disabilities living in different types of care and gain insight into the operation of an institution providing daytime care that follows good practices.

Method: Our research is based on quantitative methodology. First, we examine the quality of life of adults with intellectual disabilities using the San Martín Scale in different areas of care: family, supported housing, and institutional care (8-8-8 people). Another focus of our research is the image formed of persons with disabilities, based on the processing of online questionnaires (n=198).

Results: By combining the results of the multi-faceted examination, we obtain a coherent picture of the different aspects of the life situation of persons with disabilities. The results of the San Martín Scale highlight the quality-of-life indicators of people living in different settings, revealing similarities and differences. The evaluation of the questionnaires reveals that there are significant differences within the population studied.

Conclusions: The results confirm that the demand for and provision of equal opportunities is evident in relation to persons with disabilities, regardless of the social status of the respondents. However, the education of different social groups is essential for the realization of social participation. This can be achieved by giving the persons concerned the opportunity and an active role in determining how, under what circumstances, and with what services they live their daily lives.

Keywords: quality of life, equal opportunities, social participation