北歐智障者搬出「教養院」到社區居住與生活改革進程

This study utilizes documentary research to explore polices and services related to adults with intellectual disabilities living independently in the community in Nordic Countries. The study found that social security systems in Nordic countries are based on their “debureaucratization”, decentralization and local authority directed; that are parallel to the development of deinstitutionalization for persons with intellectual disabilities in the 1950’s. Scandinavian “welfare states” gradually transform into “welfare municipality” and result in persons with intellectual disabilities, including persons with profound disabilities, moving from the institutions into and living in the local community. For instance, all Swedish institutions for persons with intellectual disabilities were closed in 1993 and Norwegian institutions were shut down in 1995. The concept “normalization” was originated in Scandinavian countries and the procedures of supporting persons with intellectual disabilities living in the community can be divided into four stages: (a) total institutions golden age from 1945 to 1975—big is beautiful; (b) normalization initiated during the 1940’s to 1960’s—focusing on physically integrated and only available for persons with mildly and marginally intellectual disabilities; (c) early stage development of deinstitutionalization in the 1970’s through the early 1980’s—instead of segregation or institution, “home like” and small scale homes, day care and respite were expected; as well as the institutions would not be allowed for children any more; (d) closing all institutions in the 1990’s—all persons including for those with severely and profoundly intellectual disabilities moved from the institutions into the community and the local authorities, municipalities, take over the caring responsibilities based on their Scandinavian “decentralization” and “debureaucratization” and “welfare municipality” ideologies.