Μια κοινωνία για όλους: αυτόνομη διαβίωση των αναπήρων

Abstract

The independent living of persons with disabilities is an issue that is currently the focus of European education and social policy, international scientific interest and educational programming. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness of employees in education and health sector, and the Greek public in general, to social inclusion and independent living (IL) of adults with disabilities. The paper begins with the consequences it had on the lives of disabled people the theory of eugenics in the twentieth century. It is briefly discussed the change of societal attitudes towards disability and the need to create an inclusive culture, the principles and values which are adopted and shared by all. Τhe concept, the goals and models of independent living are discussed and a historical overview of the IL movement is briefly presented. Research results are also reported according to which the independent living leads to better physical and mental health, increased employment prospects and autonomy. Finally, it is argued that the large gap that exists in the support system of adults with disabilities in our country, especially in the field of independent living, it is largely  maintained by the way in which the institution of the Greek family is operated and the fact that Greek parents do not separate their children easily, even acting overprotective. In a similar way work the low expectations that many members of our society have concerning the abilities of the disabled.