Integration into the community

Abstract

Integration of people with mental handicaps into various facets of community life is the ultimate aim of community programmes and policies based on normalization principles. Integration refers to not only living in a home in the community, but also demands the use of public recreational facilities, such as swimming pools, or public bars, having work opportunities within the open employment setting, and making friends with neighbours, co-workers, etc. In terms of housing and use of public facilities, integration is quite easily achieved; it proves much more difficult with regard to social life and work, particularly given high rates of unemployment in the present economic climate.