“I don´t need to be angry anymore, because now I can decide for myself!” (Ruth 66)
Bjørn-Eirik Johnsen e- mail: ([email protected])Leif S, Lysvik e-mail: ([email protected])Terje Thomsen e- mail: ([email protected])
Academic staff at Harstad University College in Norway.
SHLD ConferenceThe Open University, Milton Keynes, 8th July 2013
SHLD Conference The Open University, Milton Keynes, 8th July 2013
All Norwegian institutions closed down in 1991 because of:
Unworthy living conditions inside institutions
Wrong to isolate people only on the basis of their
diagnosis
SHLD Conference The Open University, Milton Keynes, 8th July 2013
This is Ruth
• A lady in her 60- ties• A former inmate at an institution• Many interests• Creative
Collector
Writer
A photographer
Engaged in sports
Enjoys nature
SHLD Conference The Open University, Milton Keynes, 8th July 2013
Ruths story: inside the institution
• Missed her parents and felt terrible
• Regarded as unstable
• Tried to adapt
• Forced to give up personal stuff
• No use in protesting
• Hoped to die.
• Ruth: It was hopeless– Denied free entrance– Denied free access to food or
drink– Force fed with medicine
SHLD Conference The Open University, Milton Keynes, 8th July 2013
Outside the institution: The first years
• Her own apartment inside the
municipally.
• Same staff – same regime - same difficulties
• Her own key, her own mailbox, her own telephone, and so on.
BUT
SHLD Conference The Open University, Milton Keynes, 8th July 2013
Outside the institution: resent years
Gradually, Ruth experienced having more influence
Important milestones:
1. Ruth was given a say over which of the service providers was allowed to work with her
2. The service providers were trained to respect Ruth’s everyday wishes/ self determination
3. Ruth became a true participant in meetings where decisions regarding her everyday life were made.
SHLD Conference The Open University, Milton Keynes, 8th July 2013
Summary
• Physical living conditions improved
• Same staff same problems
• A gradually change of attitude.
• Today she makes her own independent decisions regarding her everyday life.
SHLD Conference The Open University, Milton Keynes, 8th July 2013
The future
An open society? or a closed society?
FIGHT FOR IT !?
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