Extent, Duration, and Content of Day Services' Activities for Persons With Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities

In: Journal of policy and practice in intellectual disabilities: official journal of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities, Band 4, Heft 2, S. 152-159

Abstract

Abstract  In the Netherlands, the Dutch government instituted policies that enable persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) to attend day services. Over the past 15 years, surveys have indicated a progressive increase in the number of hours that such adults spend at day activities centers. However, information about how these hours are spent is lacking. This study was designed to sample 7 residential centers to determine the amount of time spent in day activities centers, the number of hours that were spent on fixed programming or individually orientated activities, and what types of activities were prominent. Results showed that persons with PIMD spent, on average, 14.2 h per week at day activities centers. Of that time, 28.9% was spent on group activities and 13.0% on individual activities. Whether these activities could be considered purposeful or productive for an individual participant is unknown. The authors question whether the policies of the Dutch government aimed at enabling persons with PIMD to enjoy purposeful, rather than just longer, activities during the day, have been productively implemented.