Question

Discuss normalization and why it is significant in establishing deinstitutionalization

Answer 1

Normalization

Normalization refers to any process that make something more normal or regular. In mental health field, normalization ' involves the acceptance of some people with disabilities, with their disabilities, offering them the same conditions as are offered to other citizens." The normalization principle means making available to all people with disabilities patterns of life and conditions of everyday living which are close as possible to the regular circumstances and ways of life or society". Normalization theory is articulated by Bengt Nirje of the Swedish Association for Retarded children. This theory developed in focus of the protection of rights of mentally retarded children. Also it involves the process of giving the normal situations in the life such as housing, schooling, holidays, recreation and freedom of choice to the persons with disabilities or mentally challenged children. These normal rhythm of life was denied for such children previously.

Significance of Normalization in Deinstitutionilzation

Deinstitutionilzation means the process of releasing a person from a facility, where there freedom to leave has been restrained. This movement started on 1960s in focus of improving the condition and quality of life of persons with mental illness or disability. It is a Government policy of 'replacing long - stay psychiatric hospitals with less isolated community mental health services such as halfway homes , clinics for those with a Mental disorder or developmental disability.

Normalization process is a significant step in Deinstitutionilzation. According to Landesman and Butterfield ' Normalization is an ideology of human services based on the proposition that the quality of life increases as one's access to culturally typical activities and settings increases'. Normalization process enhances Deinstitutionilzation of mentally retarded children and mentally ill people. It emphasise on the development of community- based living arrangements. Normalization process involves the provision of least restrictive environment where people live, learn, work and play. Normalization and Deinstitutionilzation work in hand in hand. Without normalization principle deinstitutinaization will not be successful and vice versa.