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Common areas in group homes: arenas for different interests?
- Authors:
- OLIN Elisabeth, JANSSON Ringsby
- Journal article citation:
- European Journal of Social Work, 11(3), 2008, pp.251-265.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
In Sweden, more than 5000 people with intellectual disabilities have moved from institutions into new types of integrated housing areas during the last decade. In order to safeguard the residents' private lives, the role of the private sphere has been exaggerated and, subsequently, the importance of other more collective spheres has been underrated. This article examines the function, the use and the staffs' ideas of common areas in various kinds of group accommodations in Sweden. The data consist of qualitative interviews with 34 individuals with intellectual disabilities, interviews with members of staff at the group homes and participant observations. The analysis focuses on the ways in which placement, architecture and decoration of the common areas as well as the staffs' ideas and approaches influence the residents' everyday lives. Three types of common areas were consequently identified: the restrictive, the familiar and the neutral room.
Changes in living conditions of people with ID: a follow-up after 16 years
- Author:
- CARLSSON Oie Umb
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 18(2), 2021, pp.78-88.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: The Swedish disability policy has an ambition that people with disabilities should have the possibility to live like everyone else in the community. A study in 2001 described living conditions of people with ID born 1959–1974 in Uppsala County as compared to the general population in the same age group. The results showed differences between the two groups, particularly regarding employment, finances, and social life. Specific Aims: The aim of the present study were to explore changes in living conditions of a group of people with ID in a 16-year perspective and to compare the outcomes with changes in living conditions of the general population in corresponding age groups. Methods: Information on the living conditions of people with ID for 40 persons who participated in the study 2001 was obtained through proxy reports at 2001 and 2017. National welfare statistics were used to obtain data on the general population. The study focus objective living conditions selected by people with ID including housing, occupation, finances, recreational and cultural activities, family and social relations, society participation, and personal safety. Findings: The results showed clear differences in living conditions to the disadvantage of the sample of people with ID. However, no differences related to gender and level of functional limitations were identified within the study group. Discussion: Even if the study sample is small, the study makes an important contribution to the body of existing literature because knowledge is insufficient on changes over time regarding the living conditions of people with ID in community-based residences. Such knowledge is necessary to identify patterns of equality and inequality and illustrate to what extent people with ID share welfare benefits over time. (Edited publisher abstract)
Young adults with intellectual disability recall their childhood
- Author:
- STARKE Mikaela
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 15(4), December 2011, pp.229-240.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
The aim of this article is to examine the experiences of young adults with intellectual disability with their childhood, with a particular focus on their relationships and interactions with their family members and on their informal and formal broader social networks. The study participants were 11 young adults aged 18-25 years who have grown up in homes where at least 1 parent had the same or a similar disability. Two face-to-face interviews were held with each of the participants. Two main themes emerged from the interviews. Firstly, a clear majority of the young adults had positive experiences of family life during their upbringing, as expressed especially through their memories of their grandparents. Secondly, the study participants all described experiences of being bullied and harassed outside the family context. The findings highlight the importance of the parents, the family, and informal networks in the upbringing of these children. The study also considers the consequences that the study participants’ negative experiences of peer contacts and their sense of exclusion might have for their prospects in later life.