Many people of all ages and different conditions (elderly, children, persons with disabilities – including persons with mental health problems) live in residential institutions which tend to
segregate them from the community. For the purposes of this report, these institutions are not defined primarily by their size but above all by features of “institutional culture” depersonalisation, rigidity of routine, block treatment, social distance, paternalism). Size is merely an indicator - the larger the setting, the fewer the chances are to guarantee individualised, needs-tailored services as well as participation and inclusion in the community.
At the "Towards Inclusion" conference, the Commissioner for Equality found strong words against institutionalisation. EPSA member Elisabeta Moldovan talked about her experiences growing up in institutions.
Inclusion Europe, the European Association of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and their families, represents the voice of more than seven million people. Our members include organisations of people with intellectual disabilities and their families at national, regional and local level.