“It is important to acknowledge the positive impact the move to community living is having on transforming the lives of people living with intellectual disabilities,” according to Edel Quinn, Head of Service for Disabilities for Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo (CH CDLMS). “The move to the community living (or de-congregation) process as a whole has been a huge undertaking and is still ongoing.  It would not be possible without the support of the residents, families, staff and the HSE.”

Over the last number of years, there has been a major change in the provision of support to persons with a disability.  Within HSE services, there has been a move away from caring for persons in residential institutions to supporting them to live in their local communities. In 2012, the national ‘Time to move on from congregated settings’ report recommended that people who live in congregated settings should move to their own homes in the community with the support they need.

Community living offers the prospect of an improved lifestyle and quality of life over institutional care for people with disabilities. Within society, the supports provided for people with disabilities are driven by the values of equality - the right of individuals to be part of their community, the right to plan for their own lives and make their own choices, and to further get the personal supports they need for their independence.

Over the last 7 years, the HSE has opened 8 community-based homes across Donegal.  These houses were chosen carefully based on the needs and wishes of the residents and their families.

Residents from institutional settings have been moving out to these community-based homes over the last number of years. According to Edel, in Donegal the residents have “settled very well into their new homes and have become an integral part of their communities, making friends with neighbours and participating in local activities.” For Ann Boyle, a resident of Teach Owey, Donegal Intellectual Disabilities Services – Community Living, her move has been very positive: “It’s very nice to live here, very safe, very peaceful. I do my laundry, I picked all the lovely furniture for the room. I have my things and go to advocacy meetings and to different places. I really like it.”

Watch Ann reflect on her experience at Teach Owey on YouTube