Empowering lives: How deinstitutionalization and community living improve the quality of life of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104909
• Publication Date: 2025-01-11T02:22:58Z
• Authors: Patricia Navas; Víctor B. Arias; Eva Vicente; Laura Esteban; Verónica M. Guillén; Natalia Alvarado; Inés Heras; Paula Rumoroso; Laura García-Domí...; Miguel Ángel Verdugo
• Keywords: Independent living

The number of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) living in residential settings has not changed substantially recent years Spain. To change this situation the project "My House: A Life Community" aims to promote transition individuals IDD high support needs into community settings. This paper deepens understanding underlying mechanisms responsible for changes observed process deinstitutionalization. longitudinal study was designed evaluate quality life (n = 90) across different environments at two distinct time points: when they were an institution nine months after transitioning a community-based setting. comparison group 72) consisting who remained institutionalized included carry out intergroup comparisons. T-tests used estimate mean differences both between within groups. Longitudinal path models investigate processes relationships variables. After transition, movers obtained significantly higher scores on all variables large or very effect sizes. However, simply moving place factor improvements: positive require constant availability opportunities decision making. deinstitutionalization will only lead improvements if it favors people's control over their lives. Community should therefore be understood as autonomous but chosen one.