6533b838fe1ef96bd12a3ab4

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Developing a Curriculum for Mentally Retarded Adults ‐‐ a cooperative project between the university and the practitioners

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Abstract As recently as six years ago, after their compulsory education was over, it was very difficult for severely and profoundly mentally retarded people in Finland to receive further education. The regional units within the social‐services sector financed a four‐year project which was carried out at the University of Jyvdskyld, during this project an adult‐education plan was produced, its implementation was monitored and the content of adult education and the training of staff was developed. During the experiment the mentally retarded people involved became more actively involved in the different activities, and a considerable improvement was observed in their independent daily living skills. Good results were reported in the development of interaction and self‐esteem, and the educators’ consciousness of their work developed during the experiment. Within a short period of time, good results were attained by means of adult education, but educational equality and the realization of integration are still...