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Relocating people with intellectual disability to new accommodation and support settings: contrasts between personalized arrangements and group home placements
- Authors:
- McCONKEY Roy, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 20(2), 2016, pp.109-120.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
Internationally the relocation of people with intellectual disability from institutions has brought significant gains to their quality of life. This study contrasted three groups of persons in Ireland who moved either to personalised arrangements (n = 29) or to community group homes (n = 31) with those who remained in congregated settings awaiting relocation (n = 29). Persons moving to rented accommodation with personalized support tended to be younger and had fewer support needs than those in group homes. They had greater control and choice in their lives, more community engagement and increased personal relationships compared to residents in group homes but those remaining in congregated settings fared worse of all. However, average staff costs were significantly higher in the latter settings. The implications for the future provision of group living arrangements are discussed along with the need for further longitudinal research to assess the sustained impact of personalized arrangements and their funding. (Edited publisher abstract)
The barriers to social inclusion as perceived by people with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- ABBOTT Suzanne, McCONKEY Roy
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 10(3), September 2006, pp.275-287.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
Very little research has been done on social inclusion from the perspective of people with intellectual disabilities, including perceived barriers and remedies. Focus groups were held with 68 persons, mostly tenants in supported living or shared group homes in Northern Ireland. Qualitative data were obtained using a mix of workshop activities and small group discussions. Four main barriers were identified: lack of necessary knowledge and skills; role of support staff and service mangers; location of house; and community factors such as lack of amenities and attitudes. Participants were able to identify a range of solutions for these barriers. Most of their proposals were in line with the aims of current government policy and good practice. These findings reinforce the contribution individuals could make to the planning of local services for themselves and others. This advocacy has been an essential element in reducing the social isolation of other marginalized groups.