From Idiot to Citizen - 100 years of care for the developmentally disabled.

🤝 Over the course of 100 years, there has been a significant shift in society's care for individuals with developmental disabilities.

👨‍🎓 The early efforts to care for these individuals focused on education and teaching them basic skills, but the results were not always effective.

💔 As time went on, the perception of individuals with developmental disabilities changed, and they were seen as a burden to society.

📈 In the early 1900s, there was a significant increase in the number of developmentally disabled individuals in Sweden.

⚙️ In response to the increase, strong political forces implemented measures such as marriage restrictions and sterilization laws to prevent these individuals from marrying and having children.

🔒 Västra Marks hospital in Örebro became a restrictive institution where patients were deprived of personal belongings and locked behind closed doors.

📚 In the past, individuals with developmental disabilities were subjected to severe neglect and mistreatment.

💔 Patients were confined to chairs and beds, often with restraints, for extended periods of time, resulting in despair and desperation.

👥 There was a lack of stimulation and personal connections, with limited contact between patients and their families.

🏥 Karlslund was a facility built to provide modern care for individuals with developmental disabilities.

👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️👷👩‍🎨🎥 Karlslund had a diverse staff, including professionals like speech therapists, psychologists, physiotherapists, and recreational therapists.

🌆 The goal was to create a pleasant and comfortable environment, shielding individuals from the harsh realities of life outside the facility.

💔 Despite improvements, there were still challenges and moments of embarrassment for the residents, such as the town walks and their appearance.

💡 Over time, the realization grew that mass education and development is not suitable for all individuals, recognizing the importance of treating each person as an individual.

🏢 In the past, institutions for individuals with developmental disabilities focused on collective living, with shared spaces like dormitories and toilets.

👕 The shift towards individual care and personal belongings, such as clothing and hairstyles, improved the respect and understanding towards individuals with developmental disabilities.

🚪 Late 1960s brought a revolutionary change in care by allowing children with developmental disabilities to grow up at home, while institutions were modernized and their doors were opened.

🏢 The institutionalization and closure of Karlslund resulted in chaotic changes for residents and inconsistent staff.

🌍 The 70s saw a shift in societal values and care approaches, leading to the introduction of group homes with shared spaces and collective decision-making.

🏡 The closure of institutions in the late 70s and early 80s gave way to the concept of smaller group homes, but challenges with power dynamics and decision-making persisted.

📞 Communication methods like faxing and pictograms allowed for interaction and expression in group home settings.

🔑 The 90s brought a focus on individualized living and the recognition of the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

🏠 Living in a group home enables individuals with developmental disabilities to have autonomy over their daily routines and living space.

📚 The lives of Anki and Rolle have improved significantly over the years, with both working and helping each other in household chores.

📈 The number of children living in institutions has drastically decreased from 500 in 1971 to just 17 today, showcasing a remarkable social and human victory.

💡 While progress has been made in the housing sector, there is a need for better opportunities for disabled youth to enter the workforce and be part of a larger community.