19 Stories of Social Inclusion

What experiences of social inclusion do people with intellectual disabilities have in Ireland? While this research aims to demonstrate positive stories of social inclusion, it is worth bearing in mind that those people with intellectual disabilities who are living fully or partly socially included lives, are often doing so in spite of continued social exclusion and the prevalence of multiple barriers to inclusion in society. Recommendations include Full implementation and adequate resourcing of decision-making structures and supports such as the Decision Support Service and Plan for the Effective Participation in Decision Making as well as ratification of the Optional Protocol to the UNCRPD will support people with intellectual disabilities to exercise choice and control. Participants expressed that social inclusion gave them a sense of belonging and contributing and placed great value on having choice and control in their lives.