[Social integration of mentally handicapped persons (author's transl)]

It was the establishing of associations of parents and friends of mentally handicapped persons that started, above all in the 50's and 60's, in many countries direct and intensive endeavours for the improvement of their social situation. In this context the major goals are the normalisation of their living conditions and the realisation of the human rights due to them as well. Since that time the overall program drawn up by the National Society for the Mentally Handicapped LEBENSHILFE in 1959 set the standards for the work with mentally handicapped persons of all ages. The earliest possible beginning of longterm developmental training, including social training goals, underlies the social integration of mentally handicapped people. In adult life special aids and services must be offered in the fields of working, living and recreation. The participation of handicapped people themselves is a significant prerequisite for achieving an optimal degree of independence. In this context the role of the parents is of special importance as well. Trends towards bureaucratization and onesided professionalization in the work for the handicapped endanger all endeavours for integration. But the attitude of the society towards their handicapped citizens is decisive, too. Direct contact with handicapped persons can reduce prejudices and uncertainties, and open ways to their integration into society.