The needs of the intellectually handicapped

There are about 10 000 intellectually handicapped people in New Zealand. Most are fit, healthy, mobile adults with individual needs and the same rights as other citizens. Most can be trained to live semi-independent lives, living within the community in family-type homes, flats or small hostels, provided properly organised and efficient community based support services are developed. A minority present major problems in behaviour, or lack mobility, or are multi-handicapped and require permanent institutional care. Such institutions should be small and located in the community that they serve. There is a need for action, not words, in developing the provisions for the intellectually handicapped in our community.