Global-Report-Living-Colour-dr2-2

Inclusive Communities = Stronger Communities
GLOBAL REPORT ON ARTICLE 19: THE RIGHT TO LIVE AND BE INCLUDED IN THE COMMUNITY
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‰ Deinstitutionalization is more than closure
Perhaps the first and most important lesson learned is
that deinstitutionalization is not just about closing
institutions – not just about the evacuation of people
from one environment to another. We have learned
that deinstitutionalization involves assisting people to
leave institutions and take their rightful place in
community and also that it involves the development
and provision of appropriate and adequate
community and family based supports and services
for both those leaving the facility as well as for those
persons who are currently living in community. We
have learned from past efforts that
deinstitutionalization must be as much about
supporting people to continue to live in the
community (e.g. prevention) as it is about closing
facilities. To do otherwise simply means that over
time persons leaving the facility will be replaced by
others from the community who cannot access
needed supports to continue to live in community.
AUSTRALIA Not explicitly, but
through funding people are hindered
from living in the community.
JAPAN There have been initiatives
in Japan, but at the same time we
have the fact that the number of
institutions is growing. From the
research only 3.4% has been
deinstitutionalized and two of the
main new placements are their homes
and group homes. We have to add
another fact that almost the same
number of people are newly
institutionalized.
‰ Everyone can live and be included in the
community
Another major lesson learned is that all people living
in institutions can live more successful and inclusive
lives in community. We have learned that community
living is for all people – not just those who have less
significant challenges. Experience in countries such as
the UK, Canada, USA, New Zealand, Norway and
Sweden have demonstrated beyond doubt or debate
that institutions do not need to exist (or continue to
exist) to serve the needs of certain groups of people.
Research from numerous institutional closures have
unequivocally demonstrated that persons with
“severe” disabilities, those with challenging behaviors,
people who are “medically fragile”, and persons of
advanced age (who have lived in the institution for
many years) can all be successfully supported in
community.
LESOTHO “We believe that people with
disabilities should not be kept in
institutions, since it’s like treating them
like animals, where their minds are
restricted. They have the right to be part
of their families and siblings. Families
and communities should learn how to
take care of them”