Extraordinary Journeys

For immediate release
27 May 2010

Extraordinary Journeys
12 extraordinary people retrace their journeys from institutional care to supported community living...

Spectrum Care, Te Roopu Taurima O Manukau and the Frozen Funds Charitable Trust are proud to announce the release of Extraordinary Journeys, a significant new publication which details the oral histories of 12 extraordinary people who’ve lived through institutionalisation and now enjoy the more contemporary approach of ‘supported community living’.

Little is known about how people with intellectual disabilities view themselves, their lives and their histories. Only in recent years has there been emerging literature which has focused on the needs and experiences of people with intellectual disabilities, and their individual stories.

The Extraordinary Journeys project was designed to explore the changes in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities from the time of institutionalisation, through to living in the community in the new millennium.

The people who’ve shared their stories have been generous and bold. They’ve told stories of being controlled, devalued, abused and separated from their loved ones. They’ve also shown resistance and resilience, and survived the beliefs and practices of a bygone era.

Their stories highlight how much better their lives are in the community, while also raising questions and providing insights into how services may further develop and support people with disabilities in living even more meaningful and productive lives.

Excerpts from Extraordinary Journeys can be read here.

ENDS

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