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50th anniversary of the Polish Society for the Mentally Handicapped
People with intellectual disability are rightful citizens
of the Republic of Poland. They enjoy all the human
rights and freedoms on equal terms with others. Although
intellectual disability causes a number of problems
in everyday life, it is only one of the elements of
their identity and may not hinder their full participation
in social life in any way.
People with intellectual disability find it difficult to understand,
learn and create new ideas. They need more
time to learn new actions and remember new information.
As such, they require a varied support in education,
work, decision making and everyday life. People with
intellectual disability who receive adequate support
may fully exercise their rights and perform their duties.
Thanks to improving the skills they have acquired, they
become more self-reliant and independent.
Integrating people with intellectual disability into
mainstream life of the society depends on each and
every one of us. The integration process will be the
more effective, the more we understand the needs of
such people and acknowledge their right to dignity and
autonomy.
People with intellectual disability make up about 1%
of Poland’s population. In over 400 centres run by 123
branches of the Polish Association for Persons with
Mental Handicap, which celebrates its 50th anniversary
in 2013, children, young people and adults with intellectual
disability get access to adequate education, rehabilitation,
therapy as well as social and vocational
activation. They develop their artistic talents, thus contributing
to national culture and art. They use modern
technologies and improve their social competence as
far as possible. They participate in elections, voice opinions
on issues they find important and demand respecting
their due human and civil rights.
Barbara Abramowska
Polish Association for Persons with Mental Handicap