Developmental Disabilities and Intentional Communities: Creating Liveswith Meaning

Bruce McCreary

Abstract

Background: Contemporary social policy fosters social inclusion of persons with developmental disabilities. Methods: This paper advocates for the “intentional community” approach based on an evaluation of Botton Village, a UK intentional community, in addressing challenges being encountered in Ontario in implementing social inclusion. Results: Challenges such as long wait lists, lack of meaningful engagement and access to adult services and unmet health care needs continue to persist in current integrated communities. Conclusions: This paper suggests intentional communities have the potential for creation of lives with meaning for adult individuals with developmental disabilities and for their caregivers.

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