Main Content

Living Spaces as a Pedagogical Challenge.  Institutional organization of daily life in institutions for people with 'mental disabilities'.

Term: 04/2014 to 09/2015

Project management and coordination: AP Dr phil.  Hendrik Trescher

Implementing institutions: Office for Diversity and Teaching Development; Praunheimer Werkstätten gGmbH

Associates/Partners/Contributors:  Praunheimer Werkstätten gGmbh

Research assistant: Teresa Hauck, MA

Research assistant(s): Stefanie Schneider, BA

Financing: Praunheimer Werkstätten gGmbh

Project description:

Employing a multi-stage, multi-method research setting, the living situation of institutionalized persons with mental disabilities was investigated.  The central aspects to be examined here were: a) individuality and community life, b) the significance of the private sphere, c) the institutional framework, d) everyday life experience, e) housing and leisure.  A particular focus was also placed on people with verbal impairments. Methodologically, this required that everyday observations had to be made in particular, in addition to interviews. Based on the analyzes of the records created, possible options for action were elicited together with the cooperation partner (Praunheimer Werkstätten gGmbH) in order to improve the living situation of institutionalized people of all ages with mental disability.