Click on a word which is in blue and bold to read what it means.
On December 3rd, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities,
Inclusion Europe co-hosted an event with Inclusion International.
Soufiane El Amrani gave a speech
about deinstitutionalisation.
For a long time,
we have been overlooked
and left out of discussions
that have direct impact on our lives.
That is why we are here today.
To present a report of what self-advocates
from around the world expect
when it comes to deinstitutionalisation.
We expect for all
institutions to be closed
and people to have support
in the community.
We expect to be listened to
and to be consulted properly
during the process of deinstitutionalisation.
for the rights of persons with disabilities
is drafting guidelines for deinstitutionalisation.
These guidelines should tell countries around the world
what they must do to ensure people with disabilities
are not segregated in institutional care,
but receive support in the community.
These guidelines must include
the views and experiences
of people with intellectual disabilities.
Recent report in Europe shows
that people with intellectual disabilities
and people with complex support needs
are very often left out of DI.
We remain to be segregated in institutional care.
People leaving institutions
need support establishing relations,
learning about outside world
and dealing with the
consequences of institutionalisation.
Including support to cope
with the abuse they suffered in institutions.
It is important to give people living
in institutions good information
and support about transition to community.
Good information is important
so they can make a decision about their life.
is a good way of helping with that.
It is also important to support
self-advocacy and peer-to-peer activities.
This can be done by having
a person who moved from
institution to community
to come and talk to
those living in an institution.
Or to support people who live
in institutions in joining self-advocacy
groups and organisations.
Supporting people to
move out of institutions
means helping them to
find friends and colleagues.
Here is a quote from the chair
of the European Platform of Self-Advocates:
“We should not just build new houses.
We need to build an inclusive society”
"To present a report of what self-advocates
from around the world expect when it comes to deinstitutionalisation. […] We expect to be listened to and to be consulted properly during the process of deinstitutionalization." Soufiane El Amrani, @InclusionEurope #CloseInstitutions pic.twitter.com/RwbR0zD8aE— Inclusion International (@InclusionIntl) December 3, 2021
Read the report here.