Living independently and being included in the community

Abstract

[EN]In Spain, the vast majority of people with disabilities live in the community and with their families. As it is a country in which health, education and social services are public, people feel that their basic needs are met. In addition, residential / institutional care is usually focused on people with a significant decline and advanced age, in which the healthcare and health needs predominate, rather than training or otherwise. However, it is necessary to advance in good practices, as there are still problems related to the differences in services and supports in the different regions of the country and the disadvantage in which people with disabilities in rural areas find themselves. There is also a lack of power of the end-user of the services, when choosing the services and supports that best respond to their needs, desires or interests. Legislation in this regard is considered as more assistance than promoter of capabilities, independence and self-determination. In addition, different groups of people with disabilities claim the need to replace large residential centres with smaller, more familiar housing alternatives included in the community. Institutionalization, especially when it is prolonged, when it begins at an early age, when it is not chosen, when it is a situation forced by circumstances (for example, lack of accessible housing, lack of financial means, lack of educational resources or of another type in the place of origin), is associated with an inferior quality of life. This institutionalization reduces the possibilities of choosing and is also sometimes associated with bad practices and even mistreatment.