Deinstitutionalisation : community living and quality of life for ex-Templeton Centre residents.

This thesis examines the lives of ten former Templeton Centre residents subsequent to deinstitutionalisation, through the eyes of their mothers. The central theme is concerned with how deinstitutionalisation has effected their quality of life. The aim is to provide a 'snap shot' of life in the community for persons with intellectual disabilities. In doing so, it will be argued that people with intellectual disabilities are a heterogeneous group, and thus have a variety of needs, wants and desires. A major factor in this regard is the type and/or level of disability. Consequently, the experiences of life in the community will be largely unique to the individual. Furthermore, due to this heterogeneity, the needs, wants and desires of persons with intellectual disabilities can not, in some circumstances, be adequately met through care in the community