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Inclusive Communities = Stronger Communities
GLOBAL REPORT ON ARTICLE 19: THE RIGHT TO LIVE AND BE INCLUDED IN THE COMMUNITY
concerns about consent and informed decision
making can refuse to provide treatment or service to
the individual. With no decision-making alternative,
families are required to seek guardianship to secure
treatment and/or services.
Where and With Whom
Around the world, people with intellectual disabilities have
been clear that they want to live and be included in their
community in the same ways people without disabilities
are. We know that the vast majority of adults with
intellectual disabilities live at home with their families and
receive little or no support from governments. Residential
institutions continue to exist in a number of countries and
segregated settings which are highly regulated by service
providers and separate different living arrangements
continue to be developed and presented as “community
living” options in many countries. We heard from selfadvocates
and families about some of the reasons why the
residential options have been limited, segregated and
isolating.
Key Issues About Having Options for Where
and With Whom We Live
‰ Families are the Only Source of Support
For the majority of people who have an intellectual
disabilities the only support which they receive in
their day to day lives is from their families. This means
living at home with their families is the only place
they can get the support that they need. Many
governments, even those that have ratified the CRPD,
have failed to provide individualized flexible supports
and services (these supports and services are further
discussed in the next section of this chapter).