Moving from institutionalisation to inclusion

Situation

Institutionalisation of adults with disabilities and mental health problems has been the norm for many years across the world, but things are changing slowly. With our involvement to date, alongside Romanian partners, significant improvements have been made in the range of day opportunities available, and in community access. We want to build on this work, further developing the skills and confidence of individuals and staff to work towards independence and inclusion in the local community.

Solution

There is no straightforward solution, however we would like to appoint a key worker to work specifically with the institution, to provide small group work focusing on life skills and staff support. For some this may include activities of daily living such as cooking and money management. However, for others, we will need to focus on sensory integration, self care and psychological wellbeing, for example by using the sensory room and proving other developmentally appropriate meaningful activity.