Community integration

Community integration, while diversely defined, is a term encompassing the full participation of all people in community life. It has specifically referred to the integration of people with disabilities into US society[1][2] from the local to the national level, and for decades was a defining agenda in countries such as Great Britain.[3] Throughout recent decades, community integration programs have been increasingly effective in improving healthcare access for people with disabilities. They have been valued for providing a "voice for the voiceless"[4]

In the United States, the Consortium of Citizens for Disabilities[5] advocates for a national public policy that "ensures the self-determination, independence, empowerment, integration, and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all parts of society". Other countries (such as Canada) with different roots often spoke of inclusion: the unifying, global agenda in "disability and community life".[6][7]

  1. ^ Racino, J. (1999). Integration. "Policy, Program Evaluation and Research in Disability: Community Support for All". (pp.8-9). London: Haworth Press.
  2. ^ Taylor, S., Racino, J. & Shoultz, B. (1988)."From Being in the Community to Being Part of the Community: The Proceedings of a Leadership Institute on Developmental Disabilities." Washington, DC: Syracuse University, Center on Human Policy, Institute on Community Integration.
  3. ^ Towell, D. & Beardshaw, V. (1991). "Enabling Community Integration: The Role of Public Authorities in Promoting an Ordinary Life for People with Learning Disabilities in the 1990s." London, Great Britain: The King's Fund.
  4. ^ Cyril et al. (2015). Exploring the role of community engagement in improving the health of disadvantaged populations: a systematic review. Global Health Action, 8(29842) 1-9.
  5. ^ Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities.(2012). Washington, DC. Retrieved from:[1]
  6. ^ Inclusion International. (2011, June). Priorities for people with intellectual disabilities in implementing the UN Convention on the rights of people with disabilities: The road ahead. "The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities", Living in the community, Article 19. London, UK: Inclusion International
  7. ^ The Association of Persons with Severe Handicaps. (2011). "About Us: Equity, Opportunity, and Inclusion." Seattle, WA: Author