Research into social inclusion for people with a disability in a sheltered housing environment
- Project: 2019-2024
- Status: completed
The University of Humanistic Studies, Vereniging Gehandicaptenzorg Nederland (Dutch Association for Disability Care), KansPlus, Platform EMG and Sien investigated the significance of the UN convention for persons with a mental disability and/or multiple disabilities, living in a sheltered home. They performed the research in collaboration with six care institutes. The project is funded by ZonMw.
Description
In July 2016 the Netherlands signed the UN convention regarding the rights of persons with a disability. The UN convention seeks to promote participation and a more inclusive society. But how can you promote participation and social inclusion for people living in a sheltered housing environment? Does this type of residential living not run counter to the ideal of social inclusion and participation?
The project ‘Social inclusion and the UN convention’ explores how the UN convention can be elaborated for people with a mental and/or multiple disability who live, work, learn and recreate in a sheltered environment. The project aims to better understand what living in institutional premises means for these people’s development opportunities and how social inclusion can play a role here.
To this end, research is conducted with and at six care institutions that offer sheltered living and working to people with a mental and/or multiple disability: Prisma, Nieuw Woelwijck, OlmenEs, Van Boeijen, De Seizoenen and Reinaerde. The researchers will participate in daily life with people with a disability and their care providers to experience first-hand what ‘social inclusion’ means in their lives. They will also interview family members and care providers. The goal is to understand and experience first-hand the experiences of people with a disability, their significant others and care providers. All research data collected in this way will be processed anonymously.
Researchers
- Dr. Femmianne Bredewold (project leader)
- Prof. Evelien Tonkens, professor of Citizens and Humanisation of the Public Sector
- Prof. Margo Trappenburg, endowed professor Foundations of Social Work
- Simon van der Weele MSc
(Prof. Frans Vosman, emeritus professor of Care Ethics, was involved in the project until his death in June 2020.)
Partners
Vereniging Gehandicaptenzorg Nederland, KansPlus, Platform EMG and Sien. Six care institutions: Prisma, Nieuw Woelwijck, OlmenEs, Van Boeijen, De Seizoenen and Reinaerde.
Results
- On 22 May 2024, the results were presented and discussed at the conference ‘Een Wereld van Verschil’ (A World of Difference).
- The book written by Femmianne Bredewold and Simon van der Weele based on their research was also presented: Een Wereld van Verschil: Instellingsterreinen en het Goede Leven voor Mensen met een Verstandelijke Beperking.
(C-)funding
This project is made possible by: ZonMw, programme Ethiek en Gezond.