Best Practices in Deinstitutionalization and Community Living Services
Association for Promoting Inclusion (API) in Zagreb, Croatia, provides comprehensive deinstitutionalization services for people with intellectual disabilities with the goal of empowering people with intellectual disabilities to realize their rights and participate as equal citizens in society. API has created a network of community-based support services in Croatia that include community-based housing for adults, a prevention of institutionalization program, specialized foster care for children, a regional educational reference center, and supported employment. More information is available at: http://www.inkluzija.hr/. View API's short film "Living Proof: The Right To Live In The Community."
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a multi-service national organization that provides comprehensive services to promote the mental health of all people including psychiatric consumer/survivors. Additionally, CMHA acts as a social advocate to encourage public action and is committed to strengthening community mental health services and legislation and policies affecting services. More information is available at: http://www.cmha.ca/bins/index.asp.
The Down's Syndrome Aid Society Serbia (DSAS) in Belgrade, Serbia, offers community-based supported living options for people with intellectual disabilities. Starting in March, 2004, DSAS implemented a deinstitutionalization project with positive results. More information is available at: http://www.downsindrom.org/ (Serbian language only).
Houselink Community Homes, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a community-based housing organization driven by psychiatric consumer/survivors. The organization's mission is to improve the quality of life of psychiatric survivors and people who are homeless or otherwise marginalized through the provision of permanent affordable supportive housing. Currently, Houselink provides accommodation for 400 clients, and an additional 70 people participate in Houselink's other programs which include, among other things, services in employment and education. More information is available at: http://www.houselink.on.ca/.
Pentru Voi Foundation in Timisoara, Romania, aims to increase the quality of life for persons with intellectual disabilities. The organization's work is based on the philosophy of inclusion as a basic human right. Currently, Pentru Voi provides community-based day and residential services, supported employment, and advocacy and self-advocacy services. More information is available at:http://www.pentruvoi.ro/.
View Pentru Voi's 10 minute film "I Want to Work and I Can Work!"
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