Community reintegration for people with psychiatric disabilities: challenging systemic barriers to service provision and public policy through participatory action research

Abstract

People with psychiatric disabilities represent a growing group within the population of nursing home residents in the USA. Despite a preference for living in community‐based settings, the availability of supportive services for community living is hindered by barriers at both the service provision and public policy levels. Therefore, understanding and responding to the community living and participation needs of people with psychiatric disabilities is a highly relevant area for action research. This paper discusses a participatory action research endeavor carried out in collaboration with key personnel at Centers for Independent Living who work to provide community reintegration services for individuals with psychiatric disabilities. The events of this 15 month partnership are extensively described, analyzed and discussed. Findings reflect the critical need for communication, dialogue and action to support people with psychiatric disabilities in the community.

Keywords:

• psychiatric disability
• community participation
• participatory research

Acknowledgements

We extend our gratitude to all of the participants and organizations in this research endeavor. This research is sponsored in part through the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Moving out of the Nursing Home to the Community, grant H133G010033.

Notes

1. CILs are non‐residential organizations run by and for persons with disabilities and are funded through government (state and federal) and private funds. Typically CILs provide services and advocacy directed at individuals and local communities to promote the leadership, independence, productivity and community integration of people with disabilities. Core services provided by CILs include information and referral, peer support, individual and collective advocacy and disability awareness.

2. The term ‘people with psychiatric disabilities’ is used throughout this article based upon discussions with community partners and research participants. It has been the choice of the majority to use this term as it reflects person‐first language and disability identity.